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Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich hosted the Southwark Regional Final of the Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge last week.

The “Speak Out” Challenge is the world's largest public speaking competition for young people, with over 9,000 participants across London and surrounding areas. At the regional final young speakers from Southwark schools competed for the chance to speak at the national final.

"Brilliant night"

“The speeches were incredible, there's obviously a lot of talent in the borough,” said Georgia Hewson of the Speaker’s Trust. “It was such a brilliant night, great audience, utterly amazing musicians and singer and fantastic support from your school in organising the event.”

All the speakers had won public speaking competitions in their own schools so that they could appear in the regional final. As part of the competition the Speaker's Trust runs workshops in the schools to teach students the art of public speaking.

Warm audience

The regional final was hosted by Hafsa of Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich (pictured top), who was last year’s Jack Petchey Speak Out champion. A very warm audience encouraged the talented young speakers of Southwark throughout the event and congratulations to all who took part.

• 1st place went to Omotola from Harris Academy Peckham, who was brilliant!
• 2nd place went to Miracle from Bacon’s College.
• 3rd place went to Alexia from Notre Dame RC Secondary Girls’ School.

"The ability to speak and articulate your thoughts and ideas is essential in life," said Principal Carrie Senior, welcoming people to the event.

Huge congratulations to Omotala, who will now represent our borough in the final.

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