Manzini, Swaziland – The Manzini American Corner pulsed with the energy of passionate young minds last Friday as students from six high schools battled it out at the 2nd annual Black History Month public speaking competition. Inspired by Barack Obama’s iconic words, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” participants tackled issues close to their hearts, from climate change to bigotry, showcasing their vision for a better future.
St. Marks High School emerged victorious, captivating the audience with their eloquence and critical thinking, while Evelyn Baring and Saim Christian High Schools secured the second and third positions, respectively. But the true triumph belonged to every student who dared to raise their voice and advocate for change.
The topics resonated deeply. From challenging unrealistic beauty standards to demanding better environmental practices and advocating for inclusive governance, these young minds offered insightful solutions, urging their peers to become active agents of change.
Chargé d’Affaires Caitlin Piper’s message resonated as powerfully as the students’ voices. “You have agency,” she declared, “the ability and tools to make positive change happen, as long as you have the vision and courage to see it through.”
