Soroptimist Girls Public Speaking Competition
This competition was established jointly in 1981
by Soroptimist President, Republic of Ireland, Mildred O'Brien,
and Soroptimist President, Northern Ireland, Marie Brownlee.
Our Club has been directly involved in the Competition since
1995. It is open to girls only. The age of contestants in the Public Speaking Competition for girls includes all pupils in the Senior Cycle of 2nd Level Eductation (AGM 2007). The competition for local schools
in the North Kildare area is held in January every year.
The aims of the competition are:
1. To encourage girls to play a more prominent
part in public life.
2. To improve the art of communication.
3. To encourage girls to develop the skills to speak effectively
and to articulate with clarity
4. To develop self-confidence and personality.
The topics specified for the competitors' talks
are based on the programme areas of soroptimism: education;
environment; economic and social development; health; human
rights and the status of women; international goodwill and understanding.
Support from teachers, parents and fellow students
is vital for the success of this annual project. The National
Organisation enjoys sponsorship from the corporate sector to
help promote the competition.
The winners, from North and South, are awarded
prizes of Soroptimist Educational Bursaries and are invited
to address the Soroptimist Annual North/South Conference on
their chosen topic.
European Parliament, Strasbourg
As part of the prize, some years, the finalists
are awarded a trip to Strasbourg or Brussels, compliments
of the European Parliament. Some years the students are given the
opportunity to attend the Euroscola Programme which are held
in the European Parliament building 'Louise Weiss' (IPE1V).
Eleven countries participate in the Programme and a representative
from all the countries are given the opportunity to speak
on the topics.
European Parliament
Public Speaking Finalists and 4 Soroptimists
at the European Parliament in Strasbourg 2003
National President Aine Brady with the winner of the
Soroptimists Public Speaking Competition
National President Aine Brady at Shannon Airport with the 15 finalists of the Public Speaking Competition and 4 Soroptimists on their way to visit the European Parliament, Strasburg 22nd. April 2003.
Soroptimist Girls Public Speaking Competition
In 1996, the Kildare Hotel and Country Club presented SI North Kildare with a perpetual trophy which is presented to the winning school in the North Kildare area each year.
The Kildare Hotel and Country Club Perpetual Trophy for the winner of the
Local Competition being presented to the winning student from
Scoil Mhuire, Clane by Maura Carroll, Past President, S.I. North Kildare
Winners of Local Public Speaking Competition held in Community School Maynooth in January 2009, being presented with the perpetual trophy by Kay Brophy, National President.
Winners of the Regional Finals Public Speaking 2009, held in the Mansion House Dublin, hosted by Soroptimists International, Dublin.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Evelyn Byrne at the finals of the Public Speaking Competition, 2009, in the Mansion House. Included are Catherine Giblin, President S.I. Dublin, Kay Brophy, National President. Pat McHugh & Deirdre Seery.
Finalists at the Public Speaking Competition 2009, hosted by S.I. Athlone. Included are Theresa Bell, President S.I. Athlone, Eileen Hall, Chair Public Speaking and National President, Kay Brophy.
Pictured with the winner of the Public Speaking Competition, 2009, Kay Brophy, National President, Mildred O'Brien, founder of the Public Speaking Competition and Theresa Bell, President S.I. Athlone.
For details of local, regional, and
final of Public Speaking Competition, see Diary
Competition Forms available from your school.
