Speaking 4 the Planet

Kids 4 The Planet – Edge of the Future: Education 4 All

For the 6th year, Lakemba Public School hosted a Kids 4 the Planet event. This year, the theme for the competition was Sustainability Development Goal #4, Education for All.

Rasha Zreika , the Relieving Assistant Principal Stage 1 of Lakemba Public School, shared with us about this memorable event:

“Students delivered speeches, prepared and discussed artworks, offered 30 words of writing, and produced videos all linked the SDG4. Each school also provided a team to do a STEM challenge on how children everywhere could get an education.

It was another amazing day! Students from 5 different schools shared their ideas about the power of education and looking after our planet. Omar Chahrouk joined us on the day and spoke to our students about the importance of them valuing education and learning. He read the book ‘Patterns of Australia’ by Bronwyn Bancroft and involved the audience in sharing what they notice and wonder throughout the book.

The students shared their speeches, writing, videos, artworks and STEM challenge. The STEM challenge involved students think about renewable sources of energy and had to design and build a wind mill with their groups.”

Let’s have a look at the beautiful work of students, teachers, and parents from 5 schools here.

One exciting initiative for 2023 was the development of an introductory video on the topic by a young student in Viet Nam, Minh Khuê.

Sharing about this talented girl, our S4P founder, Phil Smith said:

“In early 2023, Minh Khue’s parents asked if I could teach their 7yr old daughter some English. I hesitated but agreed to have a welcome online chat with Minh Khue and her mum.

Wow! At that first meeting, I discovered a young person full of energy and ideas and humour. Her English was amazing. I said no to teaching her English. I said yes to coaching her in public speaking.

We began our online coaching sessions in February 2023. Minh Khue prepared and delivered a few speeches, including an introduction which she has had opportunity to use on several occasions. Her speech on Education for All Children was played at the opening of the 2023 Kids 4 the Planet competition at Lakemba Public School on 22 June, 2023.

More speeches to come!”

Rasha Zreika said:

Min Khue’s speech inspired students, teachers, parents and special guests. A teacher from one of the participating schools said that she was so inspired by Minh Khue’s speech that she would like to make public speaking a focus in all the Year 5 and 6 classes at her school. She wants to begin this by showing them Minh Khue’s speech. I have asked teachers and students to fill in a feedback sheet. I will collate this and share with you including a message for Minh Khue. A Year 2 teacher at our school watched the video with her class (2 Midgen Bush) and sent the following email:
“That video was brilliant and 2 Midgen Bush thoroughly enjoyed it. Such powerful messages!!!! Thank you for sharing “