Youngster hopes to test his debating skills in US
BEING a “chatterbox”, as Matt Glasspool likes to describe himself, has its perks.
The newly-elected Durban Youth Council mayor is one of 12 South Africans who will showcase their skills at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships at Pittsburgh in the US in March.
Glasspool, a 16-year-old pupil at Glenwood High School, is looking forward to meeting people from around the world.
“Not only do I get an opportunity to represent my country, but also a platform to show the world my talent,” he said.
“There are four types of task that need to be completed. There is impromptu, prepared reading of a literary piece, a prepared speech and a debating segment. This will be an opportunity to see how well I fare on the world stage.”
Glasspool said his Glenwood Preparatory School teacher, Miss McKinnon, had encouraged him to get into the school’s debating team when he was in Grade 4.
“I used to talk a lot in class. I think she wanted me to use my loud mouth for something constructive.”
He’s also proud of his involvement in the Durban Youth Council.
The non-profit organisation has 160 Grade 11 pupils from 40 schools in KwaZulu-Natal, all of whom put their heads together to engage in community service, sustainable projects and youth activism.
Glasspool hopes to lead his fellow teammates to great heights in the organisation’s milestone 50th year.
“It is a big year for the council… There are a few big initiatives lined up and all my actions will be with the best interests of the council in mind,” he said.
He wants to study law and political science when he finishes school, but has not given any thought to whether he will continue with public speaking.
Glasspool needs to raise R60 000 for his trip and is counting on sponsorships and donations.
For more information, contact Tracey Glasspool at 072 997 2317.