On Friday 18 May 2018, the Genadendal Mission Museum celebrated International Museums Day by hosting an English speech competition. Five local schools (Greyton Primary School, Greyton House, L.R.Schmidt Primary School, Riviersonderend Primary School and Emil Weder High School) competed in the first round of competition.

These learners excelled in the competition in their respective junior and senior phases: Toriq Hermanus (junior phase winner from Greyton House), Deno Tommy (second runner-up from Riviersonderend Primary School) and Ella Wilson (third runner-up from Greyton House). In the senior phase, Alicia-Ronell Kies was the winner, while Elzaan Gertse qualitied for second runner-up and Carly-Hope Louw in third place.

The theme chosen by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) this year was “Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics”. This was a wonderful opportunity for participating learners to develop their public speaking skills, as well as getting the broader community involved in Museum educational programmes.