SI Lautoka had a highly successful oratory program this year, with 35 schools participating. The theme ‘Give to Gain’ aligned with the United Nations theme. The primary school had two categories: Urban primary had 13 participants, while Rural primary had 12 participants. The high school category had 10 participants. 

It was heartening to see 8 male participants this year, as encouraging male participation in gender equality advocacy is important. According to club President Sarita Kumar, great importance is placed on including males in such programs. She added that, apart from the male participants, some schools had male teachers training them. “We also ensured that we had male judges in the judging panels to achieve the goal of the oratory. The best part is that we had a member of Parliament, Mr Rinesh Sharma, gracing the occasion to motivate the students.”

The President also stressed that the club hopes to see more male participants advocating the cause next year. She informed that the International Women’s Day Oratory is an annual program which is highly popular with schools in Lautoka.

Meanwhile, the winning orators were as follows: Urban primary – winner: Shay Kumar (Lautoka Central), 1st runner-up: Dipvani Reddy (Gandhi Bhawan), 2nd runner-up: Shanaya Saara (Lautoka Muslim). Rural Primary- winner Unaisi Tukula (Lovu Sangam), 1st runner up Natash Jasmine Falekehifau (Drasa Primary), 2nd runner up Nishika Vedanshi (Gurukul Primary). High School – winner Sailosi Bale (Lautoka Andhra Sangam College), 1st runner up Lavanya Pal (Natabua High), 2nd runner up Anabia Mumtaz (Central College). Winners in all categories received a trophy, certificate, medal, and $100, while the second-place orators received a trophy, certificate, medal, and $75. The third-place winners received $50 with their certificate, medal and trophy.