International Museum Day is celebrated annually on 18 May. Established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), this occasion aims to highlight the vital role museums play in cultural exchange, education and community development.

Museums are far more than places where objects of historical value are preserved and curated. They form an integral part of society where the youth, especially, can be educated about their cultural heritage.

International Museum Day’s theme this year was “Museums Uniting a Divided World”.

In keeping with tradition, a speech competition for Grade 10 and 11 learners with English as first additional language was held at various Overberg museums on or around this date.

In Caledon the competition took place in the old Masonic Lodge of the Caledon Museum on Friday 22 May. This year 10 learners from Swartberg Secondary School and Overberg High School took part.

Across the board the participants delivered thought-provoking speeches of exceptional quality.

The adjudicators, Theresa Plaatjies, Georgina Simons and Rovinia Gertse, after some deliberation, announced Zetlin May of Swartberg Secondary School as the winner. Yolisa Mdayi, also of Swartberg, was placed second with Christiano Swartz of Overberg High School taking third place.

Guest speaker pastor Rodney Nissen congratulated all the participants and reminded them that debating is one of the most powerful tools.

“It teaches them that words matter and one should respect different opinions while standing by their own convictions.

“They demonstrated what preparation, perseverance and self-confidence looks like. South Africa needs young people who can think critically and communicate clearly.”

To encourage learners to participate in the speech competition at the Caledon Museum in future, Grade 7 learners from various primary schools were invited to attend since last year . This year those from Swartberg Primary School observed.

The Genadendal Mission Museum also held its own speech contest on Friday 22 May, with learners from Emil Weder High School participating. Cailey Fourie claimed first prize, with Raywena Arnoldus in second place and Rivonia Olivier in third.

The Drotdy Museum in Swellendam also held a speech competition on 15 May.

The winners were: 1st place: Petri du Toit, second place: Adna Ahmed and third place: Sindisiwe Flathela, all from Swellendam High School.

All the winners will advance to the Regional Speech Contest, which will take place later this year, with the exciting possibility of qualifying for the Provincial Contest.