29 May 2019, in Limassol, Cyprus, an international group of students has demonstrated their public speaking skills, following a three-month course with Public Speaking Master-Class of Finland. For the first time in their lives the children presented, debated and competed in front of a live audience. Children of 9, 13 and 15 years of age shared their thoughts and offered a fresh perspective on life, work and issues of the world that make a difference for each of us. In this innovative event young orators presented on the topics of art, sports, law, the role of determination in success – and have even demonstrated their skills playing music and their own music compositions.
Children were given the opportunity to voice their opinions, ideas and suggestions on the global issues of water conservation, climate change, charity. Some of the presented topics were inspired by Sophia Foundation for Children that works in Cyprus and in Kenya to help the most vulnerable social group – the children.
“I was amazed and impressed with this fresh and innovative approach to public speaking! The thoughts and ideas that the children were communicating were unexpected and outstanding. In addressing the global issues and problems, the children on stage were giving the voice to all the other children living in poverty and struggle in the developing countries all over the world. It was both inspiring and valuable for Sophia Foundation For Children to take part.” Marina Shacola, Founder and Chairwoman, Sophia Foundation for Children
Dr. Anna Nikina-Ruohonen is bringing to Cyprus international-level education from Finland, which is ranked number #1 country in the world in K12 education. In Public Speaking Master Class children and youth develop speaking, self-expression and leadership skills for various situations in studying, work and life.
The development of oracy skills will help me in the future, but it also helps me already now in the everyday life, because I have been able to communicate effectively and to express my feelings and emotions in a positive way, in the way that I would like to. Throughout the master-class during every lesson I’ve been learning something new, and this has helped me outside of the classroom. Sofia, young student of public speaking. It is very important to develop oracy skills. It helps me in the oral exams, in being more confident in school and in taking a more active part in school lessons. In the future public speaking will help me with interviews for universities and jobs, and whenever I will be in a situation where I would have to present my ideas publicly. Pauline, young student of public speaking.
Numerous reputable organizations of Cyprus have played an important role in preparing for the event and helping to make the young voices heard. The master class and the event are supported by Sofia Foundation, IMS Private School, Chrysses Demetriades and CTC group. The leaders of these organizations have participated in the event in order to give their professional feedback and support to the young speakers.
"Children are the future, and the Spotlight on Public Speaking has demonstrated that their young voices carry substance and passion – making a meaningful contribution to how we, adults and professionals, look at the world today. It has been an excellent work in preparing the children for making them feel confident and helping to shine in speaking for the first time in front of a live audience. It had been a great pleasure for Chrysses Demetriades to support this valuable and noble initiative." Mr. Christos Mavrellis, Chrysses Demetriades.
The next wave of aspiring orators is invited to join the Public Speaking Master Class of Finland already in June and July of this year in Limassol, hosted at the premises of IMS Private School.
