By Jones Gadama
Fifteen secondary school students from Blantyre have qualified for the grand finale of the inaugural Blantyre City Public Speaking Competition, organized by the Center for Governance and Leadership (Cegol) with support from Golden Peacock Hotel and in partnership with Story Lab, a media and journalism outreach program at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas).
The students, who impressed judges during the preliminary stage at Golden Peacock Hotel, will compete for the top prize of K500,000 on June 13.
The competition aims to sharpen communication skills among secondary school students, particularly those transitioning to university, where public speaking is a crucial aspect of academic life.
Qualified Students:
– *Njamba Secondary School*: Kwangu Kachiwala and Brian Vinkhumbo
– *Chichiri Secondary School*: Michael Kantema and Precious Luweya
– *Blantyre Secondary School*: Blessings Phambala and Elijah Tembo
– *Henry Henderson School of Excellence*: Angella Meya and Tazenga Mhango
– *Swema Private Secondary School*: Blessings Nyalapa and Eve Kaime
– *Bangwe Secondary School*: Watipatsa Maxon
– *Jacaranda Secondary School*: Fly Kantefa
– *Limbe Community Day Secondary School*: Edmund Mitochi
– *PACT Secondary School*: Richard Malemia
– *Namalimwe Community Day Secondary School*: Gonani Henry
According to Cegol team leader Chimwemwe Kaonga, the competition’s success may lead to its expansion to more schools across Malawi, pending funding availability.
Story Lab coordinator Andrew Kaponya emphasized the importance of public speaking skills, highlighting the competition’s theme: “Speak, Keep and Act the Vision of Malawi”.
This event not only fosters individual talent but also contributes to the development of future leaders.
