Kuwait Debate League Lands Major Sponsor

From http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20081008092415/ExxonMobil%20Supports%20the%20Kuwait%20Debate%20League

ExxonMobil Supports the Kuwait Debate League

ExxonMobil Exploration sponsors the Kuwait Debate League's Trip to Washington D.C.
Kuwait - October 8, 2008 - Today, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Kuwait Limited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, a global leader in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry, announced its support of the Kuwait Debate League and their participation in the World Schools' Debating Championship (WSDC) held in Washington D.C. from September 5th - September 15th 2008.

The WSDC is a global competition for high school debaters. The Championships take place each year in a different country, hosted by a national debating body. Recent venues include Sydney, London, Johannesburg, Singapore and Lima. All debates take place in English. Each country can submit a squad of 3-5 students under 19 years of age in full time education in that country to debate social, moral and political issues. Past patrons of the Championships include Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela.

ExxonMobil believes in investing in the communities in which it works. This is not only a key corporate pillar but it is part of a larger commitment to be an active corporate citizen and a good global neighbor. "In the Middle East, and in the Gulf region in particular, we have concentrated on actively contributing to education, health and community programs," commented John Hoholick, President of ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Kuwait Limited. "When we were approached by the British School of Kuwait, which also acts as the agent for WSDC, to sponsor a member of their debate league we were happy to learn more about their initiatives. After meeting Ascia Al-Farraj, captain of the Kuwait Schools' Debating League (KSDL) and Emma Bowie Director of KSDL we saw their commitment to the league and we knew that this was an important project to support."

"During our stay in Washington D.C., we were involved in probably the most intense and competitive school event in the world. At this year's competition 41 teams have registered for the 2008 WSDC. As well as competing against other nations, the KSDL represented their country at several official functions where they were called upon to meet with ambassadors and other dignitaries. The whole experience was an unforgettable one for the team. It truly is a life-changing event, and I would like to thank ExxonMobil for the generosity that they have shown in support of our team." commented Emma Bowie, Director of the Kuwait Schools' Debating Championship. "It's safe to say that our team did an excellent job, and I hope we get more students to join us in the future."

ExxonMobil has a long history of supporting and improving educational programs. In all countries, basic education is necessary to spur development and economic growth. In 2007, ExxonMobil directed more than $70 million to education worldwide.