Tanzanian students shine at Yale, bag 62 medals in Global competition

Dar es Salaam: Tanzanian students have achieved remarkable success by securing 62 medals at the Tournament of Champions finals for debates, creative writing, and the Scholar’s Bowl. The prestigious competition was held at Yale University in New Haven, United States, from November 14th to 20th, and brought together 4,700 participants from 50 countries.

The Tanzanian delegation comprised 24 students from Dar es Salaam Independent School (DIS). Their impressive haul included 18 gold and 44 silver medals, a testament to their skill and determination on the global stage.

Speaking to The Citizen on Thursday, November 28, DIS Deputy Head of Middle School, Ms Evelyn Kopoka, highlighted the significance of the achievement. “Although they were not crowned overall winners, earning medals at this level is a significant accomplishment. It has not only brought international recognition to our country but also provided the students with invaluable experience and exposure,” she said.

Ms Kopoka added that the competition was highly competitive, yet the students excelled, laying a foundation for potential scholarships to some of the world's most prestigious universities. The participants also benefited from cultural exchanges and visits to renowned institutions like Harvard University and MIT, which served as an inspiration for their academic aspirations.

One of the students, Timothy, described the World Scholars Cup as a transformative experience. “It’s an incredible yet demanding journey—travelling across countries, forging new friendships, and facing intense challenges feels like stepping into a dreamlike adventure,” he said.

Timothy acknowledged the challenges involved, including rigorous studying, debate practice, and sacrificing holidays for training sessions. However, he noted that the effort was worthwhile. “Attending the awards ceremony, seeing your name on the screen, and knowing you’ve earned a medal brings an immense sense of fulfillment. That’s what the World Scholars Cup truly means to me.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Head Teacher responsible for admissions, behaviour, and extracurricular activities, Mr Gerson Fungo, expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian Embassy in the USA for its support. “We felt honoured to have a representative from our embassy join us,” he said.

Mr Fungo also shared insights into the team’s journey to the final stage. “The path began with the regional round in Bangkok, Thailand, followed by the global rounds in Stockholm, Sweden. Exposing children to such experiences at a young age equips them with broader perspectives and skills that benefit them as they grow and eventually join the workforce,” he explained.

This victory not only underscores the potential of Tanzanian students but also reflects the country’s growing presence on the global academic stage.