SHERWOOD Primary made history this week by hosting its first Multilingual Speech Contest which brought together eight schools from the area.

The event celebrated language, creativity, and courage. Learners from Morningside Primary, Rippon Primary, Sydenham Primary, Orient Islamic, Anjuman Islamic, Springfield Model, Berea Primary and Sherwood Primary proved their eloquence and public speaking skills across English, isiZulu, and Afrikaans. Shalani Naidu, Sherwood Primary School educator and social media officer, said the contestants delivered exceptional speeches that impressed the judges and audience.

“A special highlight of the day was the return of a beloved tradition — the ‘Special Challenge’ — which had been retired many years ago,” said Naidu.

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In this segment, learners deliver an unprepared speech, selected through a number from a jar that corresponded to a topic. They were given two minutes to plan and one minute to speak in their chosen language. To support the second language speakers, dictionaries were provided to help them express their ideas clearly and confidently.

“Although it may have been a daunting experience, it was a highlight for the learners who took part. They were united and made special bonds during this time — even over their intermission break with KFC,” said Naidu.

Sherwood Primary School deputy principal Mr Hiraman was impressed by the level of skills displayed by the participants and said it was “truly inspiring to see our learners speak with such confidence, creativity, and courage across three beautiful languages”.

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