World’s First Debate led by People of Determination

Shrish, founder of DebatePro, has been working with 6 People of Determination (Asma, Sharan, Mariam, Johann, James, and Aarti) to learn debate! Through our weekly sessions, they are now even more wonderful public speakers who are eager to showcase their talent. This collective effort has culminated to a final debate event that serves as a landmark for the unlimited potential possessed by People of Determination.

A Letter on our Journey

Hi there!

I had founded DebatePro with an ethos to help young students grow as public speakers by creating accessible platforms to build confidence and stimulate creative thinking. It has been amazing to see DebatePro expand globally and work with schools to establish debate clubs and provide a detailed and holistic curriculum to teach students. DebatePro has helped over 800 students in 32 schools across 6 countries, and I am eager to continue this mission.

Seeing how it has helped students build their confidence and self-belief, I wanted DebatePro to be more inclusive towards People of Determination. During the past 5 months, I have been working with 6 students to introduce them to the art of debate. Despite having some initial hurdles, I am very happy to say that I continue to be impressed with their confidence, knowledge, and enthusiasm. More importantly, it has been amazing to see them take pride and happiness while expressing their views and ideas through debate.

To celebrate their efforts and raise awareness for People of Determination, Project Determination has been born! This will be the first debate in the world that is led by People of Determination, and it will serve as a testament to their unlimited ability.

I would love for your support in this initiative, so please tune in and join our debate on through our Youtube livestream.

See you there!

Shrish

February 18th, 2021

Meet the Debaters:

Asma Baker

Hi, I’m Asma and I’m from the UAE. I graduated from the American University of the Emirates with a degree in Digital Animation.

I love art! I love expressing myself through art and it has really helped me express myself in life. I’m learning to be free and explore new techniques without worrying about the outcome.

In my free time, I enjoy writing stories for children and young adults. My dream is to one day publish my stories and have them made into animated movies.

Sharan Anil

I’m Sharan, an action artist, motivational speaker, and poet. I have Muscular dystrophy, a physical disability. I use an electric wheelchair which has given me a lot of freedom.

I express myself through my art and poems. I post my art videos on Instagram @sharan_actionart

I was given the opportunity by Dubai Culture, Mr. Nasser Juma, to paint in the courtyard of Al Fahidi District with my Remote Control style art under the guidance of Ms. Gulshan Kavarana.

Mariam Ismail

My name is Mariam Ismail. and I’m one of the members of the Mawaheb Art Studio. My hobbies are drawing, writing & playing video games.

I also enjoy public speaking!

My art work has been featured in a few group exhibitions, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the process.

I am very excited to participate in this debate event which will be the result of a lot of hard-work.

James Casaki

My name is James Casaki, and I am 33. I moved to Dubai at the age 17, and went to school at the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

Personally, musical theatre is a part of me. Without broadway music, I don’t know where I’d be.

I also love public speaking. I feel very comfortable sharing my life story on the stage.

I have Kabuki Syndrome, which is a very rare condition. Until I was 5 years old, I was not able to walk or talk. I’m glad I changed when I got older otherwise I would not be able to be to achieve my dream of being a motivational speaker

Aarti Shah

Hi everyone! My name is Aarti and I was born with Down Syndrome.

About a year ago, I went to watch the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi and it inspired me a lot. I started working out and began training in Olympic weightlifting. I lost a lot of weight but also became fitter, healthier, and more confident.

My hobbies are photography and I love to try different types of art. I’m very passionate about Bollywood dancing. My dream is to dance on stage with my favourite celebrity actors! I recently started modelling because I want to inspire others to live their best life. After all, here in the UAE we are referred to as People of Determination!

You can follow my journey on @being.aarti!

Johann Mendes

My name is Johann Aaron Mendes. I am 24 years old and I studied at Dubai Center For Special Needs.

I was diagnosed with Borderline Autism. My parents and teachers worked very hard to make me what I
am today. Interestingly, I broke the Guinness World Record for naming 52 capital cities in a minute in 2014.

I am very excited to be a part of this special debate event as I enjoy expressing my views. I was always chosen to be a narrator and recite poems at my school annual concert.

This has been a wonderful experience for me and as my mum always says : “Make the best of every opportunity that comes!”

Hear from our debaters:

How can you support us?

Our YouTube livestream concluded on March 18th at 4PM, however, you can still view the debate here! We would love for your support in Project Determination’s mission to raise awareness.

Watch the event