Meet Grand Finalist, Kaylin Nachwa Muwenda

We are delighted to share that this has been the biggest year ever for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. Up to 35,000 students have been trained in over 500 schools across all of London and Essex.

Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge provides year 10 students in state schools across London and Essex with public speaking and communication training to increase their confidence, sense of agency and drive to make a difference in society.

During the academic year, over 500 schools have received a free one-day public speaking workshops for their students. The student’s confidence in speaking to an audience, without notes, is measured at the beginning and at the end of the day. During 2024-2025, 74% of students have increased their confidence to stand up and talk to a group of people. At the end of the day, every school nominates one student to go on to a Regional or Digital Final, where they compete again other school finalists and their speeches are judged based on content delivery, structure and positive impact by a panel of esteemed judges. After going on to win the semi-finals, our 15 inspirational, articulate, and impressive speakers are now ready to present their speech to you!

We will celebrate the achievements of these awe-inspiring young people in the heart of London’s West End at Cambridge Theatre on Monday 7th July and crown the 2025 Speak Out Champion!

In no particular order, meet 2025 Grand Finalist Kaylin Nachwa Muwenda! 

Their speech ‘Regret’ earned them and their school, Becket Keys Church of England Free School, first place in the West Essex Regional Final. 

We asked Kaylin, what three items or people would you choose to take to a desert island and why? 

Water purifier, sleeping bag, a book.

What is your favourite saying or quote?

“Either you run the day, or the day runs you”.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Pasta, there are so many variations.

What three tips would you give to a Year 7 student? 

Time waits for no one, go to bed on time, don’t let people know your next move.

Why did you choose to speak about this subject? 

It is a feeling that is not a stranger to anybody and I want to be the person who gives people a new perspective on how they look at it.

How would you like people to think/act differently after hearing your story?

Each emotion and feeling is unique but it is how you respond to it that matters.

Best of luck Kaylin and see you at the Grand Final on July 7th!