“The only reason to give a speech is to change the world” 

- John F Kennedy.

Dear Parents,

The highlight of week 8 of school, and the climactic hurrah before the commencement of the half term break, was of course the amazingly erudite speeches and soul stirring performances by our students at our TEDx event held on 25th October at the Music Club - TEDxLOTS Youth.

I speak absolutely objectively here when I say that they were beyond brilliant, each of them - as they shared their stories and ideas. Their intent? To make a difference. Their aim? To challenge the status quo and change the world.  And in a month’s time, when their videos are up on the TED.com website - I have no doubt that they will. People from all over the world will access their stories.

“Don’t wait around for someone else to tell your story. Do it yourself by whatever means necessary.”

 - Leonardo Dicaprio.

And TEDx is the platform our young changemakers braved - to tell their stories and share their ideas. Stephanie Rose Bwalya on overcoming her challenges and the lessons therein. Fatima Patel on education being much more than just grades and how she arrived at that epiphany. Tamika Kumwenda on the insecurities of being ambidextrous and how she turned that into an opportunity. Amelia Khan on why teenagers need to be heard and the roadblocks she surmounted to make that happen. Aisha Patel on how the poverty around us impacts each of us and what she did to make a difference there. Daniel Jedburgh on why synthetic biology is an enabling scientific advancement and how he embraced it. Choolwe Mizinga on the evolution of gaming over time and how it has mapped her growth. Romana Tembo on the benefits gymnastics have bestowed upon her and its contribution to her identity. Haardik Choubey on his struggle with self esteem and the antidotes he successfully used to rise above it. 

And there were the three performers who mesmerized us both with their acts and the ideas they wanted to share through those performances. Kelly Chungu expressed the independence to live on her own terms through the song ‘Almost there’. Amina Mustafa expressed the unity in diversity in African culture through an afro-fusion dance medley. Eisha Chenny expressed the effectiveness of storytelling through the ancient Indian classical dance form called Bharatanatyam.

We are grateful to the adult speakers who supported the event with their wisdom. Ms Amita Yaganagi with her take on how she stumbled upon the path that led her to where she is now. Dr Liam Hammer with his insights on effective questioning. Ms Hope Chanda with her lessons learnt from breaking the barriers and cutting through the bars patriarchy and cultural pigeonholing she had to break free of. Mr Brian Kawonga with his experiences on the challenges faced as the offspring of educators.

And last but not the least, cheers also to our MCs Coach Asher Kapaulela and student Isabella Kokakota for navigating and holding the show together with their articulate and entertaining interactions.   

“Your number one task as a speaker is to transfer into your listeners’ minds an extraordinary gift - a strange and beautiful object that we call an idea”

Chris Anderson, curator of TED Talks.

And that task was ably accomplished by all presenters, in this pioneering event - the first ever school TEDx event in Zambia - by Lusaka Oaktree School. Illuminating the power of the event further by their august presence were the following dignitaries:

• Permanent Secretary,  Ministry of Education Mr Joel Kamoko.

• Assistant  Director -Specialized Services (TESS), Dr Mwenya Mwamba.

• Registrar Teaching Council of Zambia, Dr Ebby Mubanga.

• Manager CPD from the teaching Council of Zambia, Mr Patrick Kayawe.

• Executive Director,  ISAZ, Mr Saka Sokontwe.

• Board Chairperson Dr Alfred Mwamba.

• Board Member Mr Wilfred Mwamba.

• CEO, CREED Education, Mr Rakesh Pandey.

Our immense gratitude also extends to all parents, students and friends who attended, 

A special  thank you is in order, to the TEDx Committee at LOTS who organized and curated the event, right from planning and auditioning and mentoring to logistics and set-up and managing the event. The team members are:

Mr Victor Mwaekwa, Ms Lauren Njungu, Mr Denny Sepiso, Ms Sharon Phiri, Ms Mwango Chipalo, Mr Tommy Lungu, Mr Emmanuel Chimantila, Mr Elliot Thebe, Mr Mainga Milimo  and Ms Jacqueline Mubiana.

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death.”

Jerry Seinfeld

And our young acorns, aged between 14 and 18, conquered the greatest fear of all, and how! This, parents, is only the beginning. We now look forward to more LOTS students honing their public speaking skills in the upcoming inter house debate competition, and also in national and international contests. As they say, may the tribe increase!

Warm regards,

Shouquot Hussain

Head of School