English Speaking Union (Jim Hume)

English Speaking Union

September 6, 2007 12:00 PM
By Jim Hume MSP

Ladies and gentleman I'm delighted to be able to sponsor this event on behalf of the English Speaking Union. I would take this opportunity to thank all those involved in organising it from the parliament event and catering staff, the sponsors - ASDA, the ESU of course and not forgetting all of you who have come along this evening.

The launch of the 'Debating in Schools' materials is an exciting development and will hopefully encourage more schools and young people to participate in debating competitions. We should use this time to celebrate the achievement of our young debaters - ESU Juniors competition winners, ESU Public Speaking winner, ESU Mace winners and let's not forget the success of the Scotland World Debating Champions.

The English Speaking Union's goal of promoting "international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language" is a worth while one. Not only does it create an environment in which our young people can excel in the creativity of the English language, but it also builds confidence and engenders a feeling of personal development and achievement. It also builds international links with youngsters from all over the world - Asia, Africa and Latin America to name a few. Through debating and the use of the English language, youngsters are able to learn about different cultures and make new friends.

And it's of course apt that this event is being held at the Scottish Parliament - perhaps in the years to come our young debaters will revisit Holyrood as its future MSPs!

Ladies and gents, I hope you'll join me in congratulating the ESU on the success of their work and this launch, and wish them every success for the future. It is testament to the innovative thinking and hard work of this charity that so much has been achieved in the last 90 years.

I'll now pass you on to John Duncan, the ESU's Director.