Meet Grand Finalist, Ahyaa Haddouch

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 Ahyaa Haddouch! 

Their speech ‘Life is like a Box of Compliments!’ earned them and their school, St Matthew Academy, first place in the Lewisham Regional Final. 

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

1) A fully stocked survival kit – with things like water filters, tools and first aid. 2) A satellite phone – so I could call for help and get rescued quickly. 3) Bear Grylls – he knows how to survive in the wild so he could keep me alive and safe.

What is your favourite saying or quote?

“Preoccupied with a single leaf, you won’t see the tree. Preoccupied with a single tree, you’ll miss the entire forest.” This is my favourite quote because it reminds me to look at the bigger picture. In life, we often focus on one small flaw or moment and let it define everything but in reality there is so much more to see and appreciate.

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

Chicken because it’s so versatile. You can have it grilled, roasted, fried, or in a stew. There’s chicken breast for something lean and healthy, wings for a tasty snack, thighs for juicy flavour and even chicken soup when you want something comforting.

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

1)Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 2)Stay curious and keep learning. 3)Be kind – especially with your words.

Why did you choose to speak about this subject? 

I chose to speak about compliments because they’re simple and quick yet so powerful. Everyone can give and receive them and they can really boost confidence and happiness. I wanted to show everyone how something small, like a kind word, can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

If you could make one change in the word, what would it be?

Stopping conflict and violence to achieve global peace. By doing this we will be able to put resources, time and energy into improving lives everywhere. Ending poverty, advancing education and protecting the environment.

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