5 Winning Points for the Motion: Street Hawking Helps a Child to Be Hardworking
Looking for the winning arguments for your next debate? You’ve come to the right place.
If you are facing the motion “Street Hawking Helps a Child to Be Hardworking,” you might feel nervous. Many people think street hawking is only negative. But if you want to win this debate, you need to look at the skills and character it builds.
In this template, we will provide you with the exact script to argue that street hawking can actually be a training ground for resilience, business sense, and hard work.
What does the motion mean?
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Street Hawking: The act of selling goods (like gala, drinks, or household items) along the road or from place to place.
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Hardworking: The ability to put in effort, endure difficulties, and stay focused on a goal.
This article provides debate points to support one side of a motion for educational and academic purposes only. It is not an endorsement of child labor or keeping children out of school. Every child deserves education and safety. However, in a debate, your job is to defend your stance logically—and this guide will help you do just that.
Winning Debate Points on Why Street Hawking Helps a Child to Be Hardworking
Here is your “copy-and-paste” script. These points are written in the first person (“I”), so you can practice them exactly as you would speak them on stage.
1. It Teaches Practical Financial Intelligence
Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, while my opponents are learning about money in theory, the child who hawks is learning it in practice.
Let’s be honest. How many students today can balance a ledger or calculate profit margins in their heads? A child engaged in street hawking learns the value of every single Naira. I know that if I buy a pack of goods for ₦500 and sell it for ₦700, my profit is ₦200. I learn that capital must be preserved.
This isn’t just “selling”; it is financial literacy. I am not just working hard physically; I am working hard mentally to ensure the business survives. This practical experience builds a foundation for future entrepreneurship that no textbook can match. As the saying goes, “experience is the best teacher,” and the street is the toughest classroom of all.
2. It Builds Unmatched Resilience and “Grit”
My second point is about resilience. To be hardworking is to face rejection and keep going.
Imagine this: You are walking under the hot sun. You approach a car to sell your goods, and the driver winds up the glass in your face. What do you do? Do you cry? Do you give up? No. You wipe the sweat from your forehead and move to the next car.
That is the definition of grit. Street hawking teaches a child that success doesn’t come easy. It teaches us that “No” is not the end of the world. This builds a “thick skin” that helps us in later life, whether we are writing exams or applying for jobs. We learn to push through discomfort to achieve our goals.
3. It Instills the “Dignity of Labour”
Ladies and gentlemen, we live in a generation where many youths want “quick money” without work. But street hawking teaches the exact opposite.
It teaches a child that money is a reward for honest service. When I hawk, I learn that there is no shame in honest work, no matter how small. I learn that it is better to sweat for my daily bread than to steal or beg.
This instills a strong work ethic. A child who understands the dignity of labour will never be lazy. They grow up knowing that if they want something, they must work for it. This mindset is the seed of a truly hardworking citizen.
4. It Develops Superior Time Management
My opponents might argue that hawking distracts from school. But I put it to you that it actually forces us to master time management.
If I know I have to hawk between 4 PM and 6 PM to support my family, I know I cannot waste time playing video games when I get back. I must study immediately. The pressure of balancing trade and other duties forces a child to prioritize.
In fact, this is similar to the discipline required to maintain effective study habits. We learn to make every minute count. We don’t have the luxury of idleness, and that keeps us sharp, focused, and incredibly hardworking.
5. It Sharpens Communication and Persuasion Skills
Finally, you cannot be a successful hawker if you are mute. You must speak up. You must convince people to buy.
Street hawking forces a child out of their shell. I have to learn how to greet politely, how to smile even when I’m tired, and how to negotiate prices with adults. These are advanced social skills.
Developing these skills requires effort. It requires the hard work of overcoming shyness and learning human psychology. A child who can convince a stranger to buy a bottle of water in traffic has developed a confidence that will make them a hardworking leader in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if the judges say street hawking is child abuse? A: This is a debate, and you must acknowledge the reality while sticking to your points. You can say: “We are not advocating for abuse or for children to drop out of school. We are arguing that for the child who DOES participate, the activity inherently builds a hardworking character that other children might lack.”
Q: How do I start my debate introduction powerfully? A: Start with a scenario. “Imagine a CEO who started by selling pure water. That grit didn’t come from a boardroom; it came from the street.” For more examples, check out our guide on how to start a debate greeting in secondary school.
Q: Can I use these points if I am opposing the motion? A: You can use them to anticipate what your opponent will say! If you are opposing, you would list these points and then explain why the risks (safety, health) outweigh these benefits.
Conclusion / Summary
In summary, supporting the motion that Street Hawking Helps a Child to Be Hardworking comes down to focusing on the skills acquired: Financial Intelligence, Resilience, Dignity of Labour, Time Management, and Communication.
While we must always prioritize a child’s education and safety, we cannot deny that the “hustle” of the street instills a work ethic that is rare to find. As noted in a report by The Guardian Nigeria on skill acquisition, engaging in trading equips teenagers with negotiation and administrative skills that prepare them for the future.
We hope these points help you win your debate!
What do you think? Is street hawking a valid way to learn hard work, or is the cost too high? Drop your opinions in the comments section below!
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and debating purposes only. We strongly advocate for the rights, safety, and education of every Nigerian child.
How to Raise Successful People – Summary
This video is relevant because it discusses the parenting and developmental principles, such as trust and independence (often gained through responsibility), that contribute to raising successful and resilient children, mirroring the “hardworking” argument of the debate.
