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4-H Storytelling and Public Speaking Competition 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration

by Elizabeth Theodore, PRO, 4-H Leaders Council of Trinidad and Tobago

The Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce came alive with vibrant energy on Friday, January 24th, 2025, as the 4-H Leaders Council of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the much anticipated 4-H Storytelling and Public Speaking Competition, the first of many to come. The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., showcased the talents and ingenuity of young 4-Hers from the southern, southeastern, and central 4-H counties, bringing together primary and secondary school students for a memorable day of storytelling and public speaking.

A Showcase of Storytelling Excellence

Seventeen 4-Hers from primary schools captivated the audience in the storytelling segment, skillfully weaving together agricultural folktales and farming superstitions. The theme challenged participants to highlight food security challenges and solutions through shared cultural heritage and community collaboration. With costumes, props, and spirited performances, the young storytellers brought legends to life, narrating tales of Papa Bois, La Diablesse, and Chinese gardening traditions, along with humorous anecdotes like the “blue bottle in the garden”. The Master of Ceremonies, the 4-H Leaders Council Vice President, Mr. Marvin Clarke, added to the lively atmosphere, eliciting laughter by jokingly referring to the creative props as “bush”.

Participants dressed as scarecrows, farmers, old men, and grandmothers, embodying characters that brought depth and colour to their narratives. The audience was left in awe as students portrayed the wisdom and practices passed down through generations, blending humour and insight into their performances.

Public Speaking: A Call for Sustainable Agriculture

The public speaking competition tacked the crucial topic of youth involvement in sustainable agriculture and food security. Four schools competed, with participants presenting innovative ideas on how young people can create sustainable farming systems using technology and collaboration. The speeches emphasized the importance of resourcefulness and community action in addressing hunger and building resilient communities.

The finalists had already proven their mettle in county preliminaries and semifinal rounds held between November and December 2024, ensuring a high standard of competition. Their thoughtful and passionate speeches inspired hope for a future where youth lead in agricultural innovation.

The Judges’ Task

The judging panel, comprising three esteemed judges, Mr. Desmond Lawrence, Ms. Rhonda Briggs, and Mr. Lance Mottley, faced the challenge of selecting the winners who would claim the coveted titles of 4-H Storytelling Champ 2025 and 4-H Public Speaking Champ 2025. Their decision required a keen eye for creativity, originality, and the ability to connect the folklore theme to farming practices.

The Winners Take the Stage

The storytelling competition culminated in a dramatic tie for first place. Jayla Calliste from Sugarcane Arrows 4-H Club (Edinburgh Government Primary) and Rayon Stephenson from Siparia SDA earned an impressive 327 points out of the 360 to share the title of ‘4-H Storyteller 2025’. Second place went to Suri Gosine of Libertville TML’s The Market Leaders 4-H Club with 324 points, and Anjali Maharaj from Rio Claro Hindu School 4-H Club secured third place with 320 points.

In the public speaking segment, Abigail Preudhomme from the Future Farmers 4-H Club at Saraswati Girls Hindu College emerged victorious, having scored 502 out of 540 points, earning the title of ‘4-H Public Speaking Champ 2025’. She was followed closely by Kristy Ferguson from Palo Seco Secondary in second place with a score of 501 points, Ethan Frederick from Northeastern in third, Hadesseh Moreau from Williamsville Secondary in fourth, and Saffirae Samaroo from Saraswati Girls Hindu College in fifth.

All winners received cash prizes.

A Community Effort

The event’s success was a testament to the collective efforts of many. Parents, voluntary leaders, and stakeholders played a vital role in preparing participants and providing support. Generous contributions from organizations such as Venture Credit Union, S&S Persad, and individuals like Jody Cox, Karen Borneo, Leslie Clarke, and the principal and staff at Mayaro Secondary School ensured the event was well-resourced. Special thanks were extended to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, 4-H county coordinators, the staff at the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce, and Brent Woods, VL at Caroni for their support.

Continuing the Legacy

As with all 4-H events, the goal of merging culture with agriculture while bridging generations was achieved. The Arts were used as a medium for education and inspiration. The audience was reminded of the enduring connection between folklore, farming, and community. The creativity, passion, and dedication of the participants shone brightly, reaffirming the 4-H motto: “To make the best better.”

The 4-H Leaders Council of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to nurturing the talents of young people and fostering a sense of pride in cultural heritage while inspiring innovation in agriculture. As the competition concluded the audience left inspired, with a deep appreciation for the cultural legacy of Trinidad and Tobago and the innovative minds of the next generation of farmers. Do you wonder what 4-HTT has next up its sleeves? I do too, so stay tuned!

A full picture gallery of the event can be seen on the 4-H Trinidad and Tobago Facebook group page. If you are not yet a member there, request to join and please answer the group questions.

about author - Elizabeth Theodore
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