Meet Grand Finalist, Zayd Ahmed

We are delighted to share that this has been the biggest year ever for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. Up to 30,000 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 2022-2023 76% 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 10th July and crown the 2023 “Speak Out” Champion!

In no particular order, meet 2023 Grand Finalist Zayd Ahmed! 

Their speech ‘Refugees’ earned them and their school, Little Ilford School, first place in their Newham Regional Final. Zayd said they chose to speak about refugees because “it’s a duty to speak out for the people who do not have a voice or a platform”. 

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

Mum, dad and the Quran. Because they all provide me with comfort and guidance.

What is your favourite saying or quote and why?

‘The great changes in civilisation and society have been wrought by deeply held beliefs and passion rather than by a process of rational deduction’ Paul Keating, former Australian prime minister.

What three top tips on life would you give a Year Seven student? 

Work hard, maintain ties of kinship and have faith.

Why do you think it’s important for young people, like you, to share their stories?

So that we learn from one another.

How could this experience help you further any passions you have?

I am passionate about politics, it will help me to express my views

And finally, how would you like people to think / act differently from hearing your story?

For people to become proactive in participating in democracy.

Watch Zayd‘s winning speech: