Oxford Debate Championships: Wrocław, Poland
RAISING AWARENESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE KAIZEN™
RAISING AWARENESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT USING THE KAIZEN ™ METHODOLOGY THROUGH THE KAFCIA OXFORD DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The KAFCIA Oxford Debate Championships took place from October to November 2024, culminating on November 26 at WSB Merito University in Wrocław, Poland.
Jakub Czajka
“It was remarkable to witness how the students not only grasped the core concepts of KAIZEN™ but actively applied them during the event. Throughout the debates, we could hear them referencing insights from the workshops—pinpointing inefficiencies, suggesting improvements, and reflecting on sustainability in their arguments. Seeing such concrete evidence of their learning and growth made it clear that this initiative had a tangible, positive impact.”
Board Member, NGO Fundacja Projekty Edukacyjne
Oxford Debate Format
The final event employed a structured, proven debate format to enhance analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Organized in partnership with NGO Fundacja Projekty Edukacyjne, WSB Merito University, and the city of Wrocław, the event was coordinated by Julia Walczyńska (Kaizen Institute Poland). The involvement of consultants from Kaizen Institute Poland and the Team from the NGO significantly enhanced the initiative’s impact.
Event Plan and Execution
This initiative utilized a blended approach, combining hands-on training in Continuous Improvement with the analytical rigor of Oxford-style debates. Through practical Daily KAIZEN™ workshops conducted at participating schools, students and teachers were introduced to the KAIZEN™ philosophy, providing them with a tangible framework for identifying and addressing inefficiencies in everyday life.
Daily KAIZEN™ Workshops
These sessions held before the championships offered foundational knowledge on Continuous Improvement principles, encouraging participants to evaluate and improve their personal routines and learning environments.
Expert Guidance
Specialists from Kaizen Institute Poland and the Educational Projects Foundation provided expertise, ensuring participants could effectively translate theoretical concepts into practical application.
Aleix Borrego
“As a new joiner to this type of event it was great to see the passion and energy that each one of the different participants brought to the debates, together with an exceptional level of knowledge and expertise in demanding topics such as sustainability and KAIZEN™. It was sensational to see how the participants were able to rapidly learn about KAIZEN™ in the previously delivered workshops and use the foundations of the methodology to impact their arguments. It has been an exceptional experience that has demonstrated a positive impact on the awareness of KAIZEN™ in the younger generations.”
Managing Director, Kaizen Institute Poland
Event summary
The initiative fostered a culture of Continuous Improvement and trust, creating a replicable framework for workshops and debates that lays the groundwork for future projects and collaborations. It enhanced the NGO’s capabilities in project organization, event management, and expert engagement, ensuring more efficient operations moving forward. By building stronger relationships with students, teachers, and local communities, the NGO established a solid foundation for ongoing cooperation and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, the project positioned the NGO as a leader in promoting progressive, skill-based education and sustainable learning strategies.
Observing the current situation and identifying room for improvement brought successful results for BGCAZ. By optimizing administrative processes and minimizing search times, club staff can spend more time with the children. The team’s continuous improvement mindset presented when streamlining the electronics’ management process. Their new
mindset, tools, and motivation are being carried forward throughout various clubs and locations, improving processes and standards throughout the entire organization.
Future collaborations and Other NGOs
The success of this initiative demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating KAIZEN™ principles into education. By refining this approach and extending it to more schools and communities, Continuous Improvement practices can be implemented at every level. This would enhance traditional curricula while empowering future generations to become more adaptable, resourceful, and sustainability-focused, fostering a more resilient and innovative educational landscape.
For more details or collaboration inquiries, please contact [email protected].