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Regional Champions 22-23 explore the Houses of Parliament
On Wednesday 24th of January, the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge Regional Champions of 2022-2023 had the unique opportunity to visit the iconic Houses of Parliament and Westminster.
Last year’s Regional Champions, our youngest Alumni, having won first place in their respective boroughs, were not only celebrated for their eloquence and passion for becoming Champions, but also rewarded with a visit to Westminster.
The journey began with an exclusive tour of the historic Houses of Parliament, where our young speakers had the chance to explore the corridors and chambers that have witnessed centuries of political history. From the grandeur of Westminster Hall to the impressive architectural chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the champions were immersed in the rich history of British politics.
The tour of the House of Parliament was tailored to the needs of the group, highlighting the importance of public speaking and the value of speaking up when it comes to having positions in the parliament and House of Commons. The visit to Westminster served not only as a reward for their exceptional speaking abilities but also as a valuable learning experience. It offered a glimpse into the real-world applications of effective communication, emphasizing the role of articulate voices in influencing positive change.
At the end of our visit, we had the chance to meet and hear from the MP of Enfield North, Feryal Clark, about her experience, her starting point in politics and what she enjoys most when it comes to her job responsibilities. Our Alumni had many questions and it was a wonderful way of understanding more of what it means to be part of political and social change.
We heard from Emma Arpesani and Manahil Uddin on the wonderful impact the Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge has had on their confidence, offering more opportunities to grow, and they both thanked Sir Jack, the Jack Petchey Foundation and Speakers Trust for their work.
“It’s been a rollercoaster and an amazing experience: speaking is a gift, I’m now more confident and can speak to more people. I was shy and scared to speak to people all through primary and starting secondary school, but through this experience, I realised how much my voice matters and that this truly is a gift. Thank you for the opportunity, Sir Jack.”
“This programme has given me so much more confidence to speak out about regional and global issues which concern me; the problem with climate change, which before was just a nagging worry at the back of my mind, became the topic of my winning speech and my passion. Anyone lucky enough to attend this programme knows what an attribute it is to any individual, for their future.”
We wish to thank MP Feryal Clark’s team for accommodating us and taking the time to speak with us, and of course Ms. Feryal Clark herself for offering unique insight on her role and experience.
This visit to the House of Parliament brought a lot of excitement and wonder into our young Alumni’s minds, and we are sure will inspire them as they head to exams and future school years, to aspire for big and great things.
Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible journeys of the Speak Out Challenge Regional Champions of 2022-2023.
