Young voices shine at Curro Wilgeheuwel public speaking competition

Confidence and communication took centre stage as Grade Four to Seven learners at Curro Wilgeheuwel (Wilgies) participated in the school’s annual English Public Speaking Competition on August 12.

According to Curro English subject head Nivrithi Naidoo, the competition provided learners with an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and address an audience while sharing their ideas, opinions, and perspectives, with participants demonstrating thorough preparation, courage, and commitment throughout their speeches.

Naidoo said the initiative did not solely focus on winning, but on helping learners find their voices and develop confidence in expressing themselves.

The competition’s grade winners were Simcelile Hlabangane (Grade Four), Davyanka Moodley (Grade Five), Zanokuhle Luyanda Sibisi (Grade Six), and Valencia Nlandu (Grade Seven).

The winners will progress to a public speaking event at Curro Rivonia, where they will represent Curro Wilgeheuwel and have an opportunity to further develop and showcase their skills.

“Adjudicators played an important role in the competition, offering their expertise, encouragement, and constructive feedback to the learners,” Naidoo said.

Parents and guardians attended the event to support the participants, while the school’s principal and academic head also showed their backing for the initiative.

The Intermediate Phase English Department was commended for its dedication to preparing learners and coordinating the competition.

Naidoo believes public speaking helps learners develop important skills, including critical thinking, articulation, organisation, and effective communication.

The school hosts the initiative annually in Term 3, forming part of its broader efforts to provide learners with opportunities to grow beyond traditional academic achievement.

For the learners, the day was ultimately a celebration of having the courage to stand before an audience and be heard.