Zeinabou Niaré, an 18-year-old student from Burkina Faso, has won the prestigious Eloquentia@HEC national competition held on October 6 at the Bataclan in Paris. She impressed the judges with a personal and emotional speech on the universal question, "Should we rush to grow up?" Her speech drew from her experience in a large family, highlighting the joys of childhood and the responsibilities that come with adulthood.
Niaré's journey to success began in her college days at Jouy-le-Moutier in Val-d'Oise, where she was a reserved student. A French teacher encouraged her to participate in an elocution competition, which she found challenging but discovered a passion for words. She repeated the experience in her high school years, winning the competition at her school and joining the Eloquentia@HEC program.
As part of the Eloquentia@HEC program, Niaré joined 78 other young people for an intensive week of oral expression, writing, and public speaking on the HEC Paris campus. She made it to the final round, competing against five other contestants. Her authenticity and mastery of words made the difference, securing her victory on October 6.
Niaré's speech resonated with the audience and judges, as she shared her thoughts on growing up and the importance of cherishing childhood. Her experience in a large family provided a unique perspective on the responsibilities that come with age. The competition was a significant milestone in her life, marking a shift from being reserved to confident in her abilities.
The Eloquentia@HEC program is a prestigious competition that aims to promote public speaking and oratory skills among young people. Niaré's win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to improving her skills. Her victory has inspired many, showcasing the impact of perseverance and confidence in achieving success.
Niaré's achievement is also a tribute to the role of teachers in identifying and nurturing talent. Her French teacher and friends played a significant role in encouraging her to participate in elocution competitions, which ultimately led to her success. Her story serves as a motivation to young people, highlighting the importance of taking risks and pursuing their passions.
Currently, Niaré is pursuing her studies in health at the Sorbonne, with a newfound confidence in her abilities. Her victory in the Eloquentia@HEC competition has given her a platform to share her voice and inspire others. Her achievement is a remarkable example of how young people can overcome their fears and achieve greatness with determination and support.
Key points
- Zeinabou Niaré, 18, wins Eloquentia@HEC national competition with emotional speech.
- Niaré's journey to success began with encouragement from her teachers and friends.
- Her victory showcases the importance of perseverance, confidence, and role of teachers in nurturing talent.