Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ British-Palestinian schoolgirl expelled from public speaking competition

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

When I was in grade five I won the public speaking competition with a speech about Sir Frederick Banting and the discovery of insulin. It was uplifting and mildly patriotic. But when I was in grade eight I won the same competition with a scathing and powerful speech against the Vietnam War. I won the following three years as well, finishing with "How to be a dictator in give easy steps". The ability to write and deliver a speech is a powerful force, and I'm glad it was developed in me. So I feel for Leanne Mohamad, a 15-year-old student at Wanstead High School in London, who won a regional final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge for a moving speech about the Palestinians called 'Birds not Bombs', but was barred from participating in the final. She should be allowed to speak.

Today: 1 Total: 1747 [Direct link] [Share]

Image from the website
View full size


Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

Copyright 2024
Last Updated: Nov 03, 2024 4:51 p.m.

Canadian Flag Creative Commons License.

Force:yes