CHILDREN from schools within Leigh Education Action Zone had their first taste of public speaking revealing the art of magic, BMX biking and disco dancing alongside their views on football history, animal cruelty and South Africa.
Pupils from nine schools took part in the Leigh Rotary Club backed event in the Derby Room at Leigh Library
The stimulating Let the Children Speak programme -- carrying the declaration I have the right to be seen and heard! -- has been recognised as having the potential to become a national model for raising self-esteem in children.
"This is one of a number of initiatives within the EAZ's literacy strategy which is aimed at raising pupils' standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening," said Leigh EAZ project director Alan Dutton.
During an enthralling evening children were given the opportunity to speak alone or in small groups.
Leigh EAZ chairman Gareth Cheesman hosted the event alongside teenager Kerys Heaton, a pupil at Kingshill School.
Kerys made a big impact in the 2001 event held in Leigh Town Hall and has since been invited back as a regular co-host.
Some 50 children were involved, representing Kingshill School (Tyldesley), Hindley Green Community Primary, X11 Apostles RC Primary, St Joseph's RC Primary, St Peter's CE Juniors, Bickershaw CE Primary, St Gabriel's RC Primary, Westleigh Methodist Primary, Our Lady of the Rosary RC Primary.
Each youngster involved in received a silver plate and T-shirt.
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