Senior School news

U4 pupil Dejon Manyeza speaks of importance of nature in 'Dare To Speak Up' speech

18 January 2022

U4 pupil Dejon Manyeza recently participated in the Dare to Speak Up competition, which asked young people to write a speech about climate change as though they were talking to delegates at COP26.

Dare to Speak Up is part of Project Change, an exciting new programme of climate change workshops, resources and competitions from UEA.

Dejon was one of eight winners from Dare to Speak Up who then had the chance to take part in a speech-writing workshop day at UEA in December. Participants were given speech writing training and then recorded their impassioned speeches for everyone to take inspiration for positive change from. 

Dejon's speech focuses on the importance of reconnecting with nature to tackle climate change, including projects of rewilding and better use of green belt areas. His speech also includes practical steps we can all take to contribute to sustainable land practices and the planting of trees.

You can watch Dejon's full speech below.

Find out more about Project Change and how you can get involved here.