🎙️ Debate Podcast
This Program is Supported by : The European union 🇪🇺
Join a four-episode online debate series where your team can discuss important education issues in Myanmar, have your debate professionally recorded and published by the Burma Podcast Network, and receive a 1,200,000 MMK team grant upon successful completion of the program.
BPN Debate Lab is a special four-episode online debate series organised by the Burma Podcast Network (BPN) with support of the European Union. The program brings together young people from different backgrounds to discuss education and youth issues in Myanmar through respectful, evidence-based debate.
Selected participants will join online debate sessions that are professionally moderated, recorded, and published as podcast and video episodes for a wider audience.
The debate series aims to strengthen youth voices while encouraging thoughtful public dialogue.
Why are we organizing this program?
Free and safe spaces for young people to exchange ideas are becoming increasingly limited. Meaningful dialogue and respectful discussion are more important than ever to help young people learn from one another, think critically, and contribute to positive change.
Education is one of the few issues that connects young people across different communities, backgrounds, and perspectives. It affects everyone and shapes the future of Myanmar.
BPN Debate Lab provides a safe platform where young people can discuss education, share their experiences, listen to different viewpoints, and explore ideas together through respectful and evidence-based debate.
This program accepts teams of three (3) members only.
We encourage teams whose members:
• Are interested in education and youth issues in Myanmar.
• Are willing to listen respectfully to different perspectives.
• Can communicate their ideas clearly and work well as a team.
• Are committed to preparing for the debate sessions.
• Have reliable internet access and are available to participate in online meetings and recordings.
Previous debate experience is welcome but not required. We encourage applications from both experienced and first-time debaters who are eager to learn.
Debate Theme : Youth & Education in Myanmar
The debate series focuses on the experiences, challenges, and future of education in Myanmar from the perspective of young people.
Topics may include different aspects of education, access to learning, technology, social development, opportunities for young people, and other related issues.
- Should Myanmar youth prioritize returning to school or university, or focus on vocational skills?
- What should Myanmar prioritize over the other: supporting children without access to education OR supporting students in the school system?
- Should all children receive primary education in their mother tongue?
- The negative impact of smartphone use outweighs its positive impact in school and learning environments.
Team Grant
Each participating team that successfully completes the program will receive a team grant of 1,200,000 MMK.
Please note:
• The grant is awarded to the team as one payment.
• Individual payment arrangements must be managed by the team members.
• Payment is processed after successful completion of the program and submission of the required information.
Program Timeline 📆
The selected participants will take part in several stages of the program.
- Stage 1 : Application and participant selection – 6 July Deadline
- Stage 2 : Orientation and technical preparation – 9 July
- Stage 3 : Debate preparation and coaching – July 2nd Week
- Stage 4 : Online recording sessions – July 3rd Week
- Stage 5 : Broadcasting on Digital Platforms
A detailed schedule will be shared with selected participants.
Important Notes Participants
Safety and Privacy
Participant safety is a priority throughout the BPN Debate Lab Program. All participants will be protected through anonymity measures, secure data handling, and risk mitigation procedures designed to reduce unnecessary risks before, during, and after the program.
Protecting everyone’s safety is a shared responsibility. Participants are expected to understand the potential risks, follow the recommended safety practices, and respect the privacy and confidentiality of all other participants throughout the program.
Internet Access
Participants must have access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable device for online meetings and recording sessions.
As internet disruptions may occur in Myanmar, participants are encouraged to prepare a backup internet connection whenever possible, such as mobile data or an alternative network, to reduce interruptions during the program. Participants are also encouraged to have a backup power source if they live in areas where electricity outages are common.
Production and Broadcasting
The program will be professionally recorded and edited before publication. BPN will broadcast selected and edited versions of the debates for educational and public awareness purposes.
Team Selection
BPN will select teams based on their commitment, motivation, and willingness to learn the core skills of debate, including critical thinking, public speaking, questioning, reasoning, and research and fact-finding.
Each team must consist of three (3) members. All three members are required to complete and submit the application form. Incomplete team applications will not be considered for selection.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the BPN Production Team at: bpn.admin@proton.me
Ask Question about this program : bpn.admin@proton.me
About BPN
To date, BPN has produced 16 shows and more than 135 episodes, working with individuals and organizations from different fields. Our content reaches over 60,000 active listeners across Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and other podcast platforms.
Our full-time committed production team, supported by research-based editorial work, ensures that every project we produce creates a positive impact for both the community and our collaborators.
Our mission is to promote analytical and critical thinking through well-crafted podcasts, amplify the voices of marginalized and under-represented professionals and active citizens, and inspire public awareness by connecting civic values with engaging, high-quality edutainment.