The First PQP Edition Breathes Air On The Future Read-Us Africa Contests
Read-Us Africa Contests
By: Recheal Babirye
Worth Noting:
- The contest was divided into three main segments: poetry, quiz, and public speech. The poetry and quiz tested the students’ knowledge and ability to craft poems and respond to questions related to health and well-being. The segment was challenging but revealed the depth of understanding the students had about the theme.
- The public speech contest was the highlight of the day. Each participant delivered a speech on various aspects of SDG 3, and the speeches were a testament to the students’ research and passion.
- The judges, including Mawerere Jolly Joy, Evas Bashagire, and Onyait Churchill for poetry; Aloikini Praise Opoloje and Edmund Ayesiga for public speech; and Adweek Aaron Kiwanuka and Mahad Kisuze for quiz, made the final decision of the winners.
The PQP (Poetry, Quiz, and Public Speech) contest was the first of its kind that marked a significant shift in the traditional READ US AFRICA annual writing competitions to a more interactive and immediate contest. The decision in a shift was well received by our initial participants that have always been participating in the writing competitions. This change aimed at ensuring the authenticity of the participants’ work, and eliminating concerns over ghostwriting, which had plagued the previous editions.
The contest was a day one tournament and the first edition that happened on Saturday, 15th June 2024, in Kisubi High School’s auditorium under the theme of “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.” The aim of this was to engage young people in promoting good health and well-being as a way to accelerate progress since secondary school students represent a critical demography with the potential to be the change agents in the communities they dwell in.
The day was filled with excitement and a sense of healthy competition as students from various schools, including: Ekitangala Transformation High School – Nakasongola, Hope Senior School – Bbira, Mother Kevin College – Mabira, Kateta Hill View Secondary School – Serere, St. Paul Secondary School – Fort Portal, Namagabi Secondary School – Kayunga, Kololo Secondary School – Kampala, and Kisubi High School – Entebbe that made up a total of 9 Schools. This saw enthusiastic participation of students’ eagerness to engage in the discussions around good health and well-being.
The day’s activities commenced with a warm welcome from the host school’s principal, whose speech set a motivational tone for the day, reminding the young participants of the significance of their voices in shaping a healthier future and not looking at the contest as a mere competition but as a way of building skills that can better their lives in the future.
The contest was divided into three main segments: poetry, quiz, and public speech. The poetry and quiz tested the students’ knowledge and ability to craft poems and respond to questions related to health and well-being. The segment was challenging but revealed the depth of understanding the students had about the theme.
The public speech contest was the highlight of the day. Each participant delivered a speech on various aspects of SDG 3, and the speeches were a testament to the students’ research and passion.
The judges, including Mawerere Jolly Joy, Evas Bashagire, and Onyait Churchill for poetry; Aloikini Praise Opoloje and Edmund Ayesiga for public speech; and Adweek Aaron Kiwanuka and Mahad Kisuze for quiz, made the final decision of the winners.
At the end of the day, Ngabo Lav Terry from Hope Senior School – Bbira emerged as the overall winner of poetry, and Akampurira Dianah from Hope Senior School – Bbira as the overall winner of Quiz. In the public speech contest, Menya Favour from Namagabi Secondary School clinched the top spot with his compelling speech. The runners-up were equally impressive, with Inshuti Vanessa Aimee from Kololo SS (1st Runner-Up poetry) and Gwampala Brian from Mother Kevin College – Mabira (2nd Runner-Up poetry); Nakanyike Rahmantulla Menil from Namagabi Secondary School (1st Runner-Up public speech); Orombi David Mugisha from Ekitangala Transformation High School (2nd Runner-Up public speech); Goy Solomon from Kisubi High School (1st Runner-Up quiz); and Namuli Daniella from Mother Kevin College – Mabira (2nd Runner-Up quiz).
In recognition of their outstanding performances and following up on our aim, the winners, runners-up participants, and schools received a special package that included certificates, Read Us Africa shirts, trophies, and medals. More importantly, winning contestants earned the opportunity to participate in the 4th Annual African Readers Conference (ARC) in September, with all expenses covered by READ US AFRICA. Their pieces will also be published in the African Readers Conference anthology, providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience and further hone their skills.
We must also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners who played a crucial role in making this event a success. These included Hipipo, My Doctor, Writer’s Folia International, SoarAway, Amara Furniture and Interiors, and Kisubi Schools which provided valuable resources and support. Their collaboration ensured that the event ran smoothly and that the theme of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being was highlighted effectively throughout the contest.
This first edition of the Poetry, Quiz, and Public Speech Contest has set a new standard for our annual literary events. By fostering immediate and interactive engagement, we have ensured the authenticity and integrity of the competition.
As we look forward to the ARC in September, we are confident that our young poets and speakers will continue to shine and inspire others with their words and ideas. The success of this event has laid a solid foundation for future editions, proving that when students are given the platform to express their genuine thoughts and creativity, the results are truly remarkable.
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