In order to encourage the development of academic and professional skills, AlShaab University held an English language public speaking competition on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The event included a large number of participants from AlShaab as well as a diverse group of participants from the general public. In attendance were English language professor, Stephanie Cheeseman; President of Al Ain University , Dr. Shafiq Shaker Shafiq, and his administrative assistant, Assistant Professor Dr. Atheer Youssef Odeh; Professor Dr. Mohsen Al-Fariji, former advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and a number of guests from various entities and sectors, professors, teaching staff and university students. A native English speaker with an educational background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics served on the panel of judges for the event.
AlShaab University President Dr. Youssef Khalaf Youssef delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the competition came with the aim of promoting and supporting English speaking skills within and beyond the university, and encouraging young generations to speak English, noting that AlShaab will offer English language courses in the near future. International Relations and Media Officer,
Stephanie Cheeseman remarked that the contest showcases the talents of bright and articulate speakers with the aim of encouraging youth across the country to build their English language skills, skills that will open doors to new educational and professional opportunities both in Iraq and around the world.
After the opening speeches, the first round of participants, which included students from AlShaab University, began. The second round was composed of students under the age of 18. The third and final round included members of the general public.
In each round, participants were allotted a maximum of five minutes to speak on stage. A panel of three judges scored them in three categories: content, delivery, and language.
The winner of the first round was AlShaab student Haider Amiran. The winner of the second round for students under 18 was Omnia Ahmed. Muhammad Abdullah won the third round, which was open to all ages.
The winners of the competition were honored by AlShaab University’s President and the panel of judges by awarding them gifts and certificates of appreciation.
All speakers in the competition were awarded certificates of participation by the University in appreciation of their efforts.
