In a dazzling display of eloquence and passion, nine 10 and 11-year-old girls from local schools recently captivated the audience at the inaugural Visible and Vocal Public Speaking Competition, organised by the Soroptimist International of the Hills District Club.
This public speaking competition is a truly global event that is being held across the five Soroptimist International Federations – Africa, Europe, The Americas, Great Britain & Ireland, and South-East Asia. The Hills District Club was chosen to represent the South-East Asia Federation. The event is sponsored by the Soroptimist International Foundation and the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network.
Held at Castle Hill Community Centre on 18th November, the talented participants fearlessly spoke on topics ranging from discrimination against girls, barriers to career aspiration, and combatting bullying. The young speakers delved into issues close to their hearts, shedding light on the challenges they face.
The distinguished panel of Toastmaster adjudicators selected two winners from the pool of impressive performances. Head Adjudicator Michael Said expressed how impressed he and his team were by the high calibre of skills and talents that all girls displayed during their presentations.
Olivia Purser from Oatlands Public School was awarded 1st place, with Rachie Davidson from Baulkham Hills North Public School a close second. Olivia will be making a further presentation in the Global Online Final on 10th December, competing against nine other girls from across the five Soroptimist International Federations.
The seeds of awareness planted during the competition are sure to flourish, inspiring these girls to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
For more information on the Soroptimist International of The Hills District, call 0435 837 118 or email [email protected].
