Aleiya Francis is now set to compete in the semi-finals of the ‘Speak Out Challenge’

A Mulberry Academy Woodside Student has been made the regional winner of a youth public speaking competition.

Aleiya Francis, 15, won the regional final of Jack Petchey’s ‘Speak Out Challenge’ for a speech titled ‘Step out of your comfort zone’, gaining a £100 gift certificate. The event was held at Fortismere School on 6th February.

Judges included writer and director Simon Josiffe, BBC News presenter and correspondent Robin Brant, trainee barrister Evie Snow, Christopher Murray, chief executive for Young Brent Foundation, and Ece Uckun, student at Fortismere School and 2023 regional final runner up.

Aleiya will now compete in the semi-finals alongside 37 other regional champions, with the grand final (15 contestants) due to take place in the West End on 8th July.

Over 30,000 Year 10 students (14-15 year olds) in over 500 state schools in London and Essex take part in the annual event, hosted by public speaking and communication charity, Speakers Trust, and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Aleiya said: “I feel overwhelmed but excited. My advice for others – ‘do it for the plot’ meaning ‘give it a go and take on the opportunity!'”

Runner-up title went to Lia Giovanelli, from Alexandra Park School, with a speech about her experience as a twin, and third place went to Manuela Dominguez Dola from Greig City Academy, with a speech titled “The struggle to belong”.

Mayor of Haringey Lester Buxton gave out prizes. He said: “All of the students were fantastic. They spoke so eloquently and passionately on such a wide range of topics.”

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