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Tajkirah Islam wins place at Grand Final
2020 is an unprecedented year with change and adapting to the new being key features for all of us. This year Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! Will not take place at Cambridge Theatre, instead we are live streaming with pre-recording speeches broadcast from a London film studio on Tuesday 1st December.
From the 20,000 young people who took part in the “Speak Out” Challenge! this year, we are thrilled to announce this year’s Grand Finalists, some of whom became Regional Champions and some Digital Final Champions. In no particular order, please meet the first of our Grand Finalists.
We are delighted to share our fourth Grand Finalists, congratulations Tajkirah Islam.
Digital Final 9 was won by Tajkirah Islam of Seven Kings School in Redbridge. In her speech ‘What’s in a name?’, Tajkirah invites us into her speech by sharing her experience of people pronouncing her name, or calling her different name entirely. She quickly yet seamlessly blends her story into tackling how likely you are to get a job interview based on your name. She reminds us that hard work should speak for itself.
We asked Tajkirah, why do you think it’s important for young people, like you, to share their stories?
“It is so important for young people to share their stories as not only can people relate to these stories and know that they’re not alone, but you can raise awareness about these issues and help educate other people.”
How would you like people to think/act differently from hearing your story?
“I want people to have faith in themselves and know that there are no barriers to their success.”
And, how could this experience help you further any passions, or career ambitions you have?
“This experience has been invaluable as I have learnt skills which are needed no matter what career path you choose. Good communication skills and confidence are vital in order to succeed in life – and “Speak Out” has helped massively!”
Watch Tajkirah take on inequality.
