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The Educators take it one step further.
Thursday 9th November 2006 was the end of a great year of communication and growth for a group of students from South Auckland.
It all began on 10th May 2006, when a group of students joined up with Toastmasters from "The Speechcraft Club" to start a project that we all believed would make some huge changes in the South Auckland school. Little did we know at the beginning just what those changes would be. Eight weeks later 12 students and their teacher had not only worked through a specially prepared program but they had chartered the first Gavel Club in New Zealand.
Toasties: Toastmasters of tomorrow.
Graduation Fun!
The students decided that a club within their school would benefit everyone. Permission was obtained from the school board, principal and ERO before the project could be advanced. When permission was obtained the students carried out elections in true Toastmaster’s style. Everyone was given the chance to speak and then elections took place. The students also democratically decided on a club name and discussed succession planning for the coming year.
Challenges along the way The initial course sessions were at 3.30 in the afternoon, making it difficult for many Auckland toastmasters to attend. This was made even more challenging when once chartered the club decided to meet at 7.30am. Despite reservations of teenagers and early mornings, the club has flourished and at year end boasted a membership of 25 students with a waiting list of around 200 students from years 11 through 13.
The best parts were: the presentations to family, friends, supporting staff and skeptics of the staff and family variety; the students prepared the entire evening arranging invites, catering and venue; the enthusiasm and support from students and their friends.
A special thank you to all the Toastmasters who made up this very special team so that the students could achieve their goals and demonstrate some moving and very emotive speeches.
This project has reinforced how important speaking skills are for our students and how the extra boost of confidence can make the next step in life so much easier.
For comments or discussion, please contact Claire Read email claire.r@ihug.co.nz or call 09 5800904 and look out for more Youth Initiatives http://www.youngspeakers.org/news
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