Twenty-two Secondary Schools participate in National African History Quiz and Spoken Word competition 2013

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad: November 12, 2013: The Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) and Republic Bank African History Quiz and Spoken Word competition, got off to a thrilling start, as 22 Secondary Schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago, participated in the competition vying for one of the 12 spots in the quarterfinals. The competitions were held on October 19 and October 26 at the Committee's headquarters in Maraval.

Republic Bank, in its thrust to heighten public awareness of the contributions of Africans and celebrate our nation's heritage, has once again partnered with the ESC to execute this programme. Students were quizzed in four categories: Africans in Science and Technology, General Knowledge, Historical Events and Renowned Africans. Some individuals featured in these categories were: Walter Anthony Rodney (Guyana), Trinidad & Tobago's Anthony Martin, Dr. Louis Anslem Halsey Mc Shine, Bertram Marshall, Camille Waldrop- Alleyne and USA's Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou.

Speaking after advancing into the quarterfinals, Success Laventille Secondary School, team captain, Samantha Harley said, it was difficult revising all the names and years, but hard work paid off.

"We worked together every chance we got. We quizzed each other, so we are really happy that we are in and for the first time, it's a plus." said the Form 5 student.

Although first time entrants to the competition, the students of Success Laventille, are confident that they will advance to the final round of the competition, which takes place on November 23.

Among the other schools going forward are: Barrackpore Secondary, St. Benedict's College, St. Joseph's Convent, San Fernando, Tranquility Secondary, Belmont Boys' Secondary School, St. Francois Girls' College, Arima Central Secondary School, Arima North Secondary School, Princes Town Secondary School and Siparia East Secondary. A face off for the final spot will be held between El Dorado West and San Fernando West Secondary. This promises to be an intense meeting, since both schools were finalist in last year's competition and are battling for pride.

In the spoken word aspect of the competition, 15 Primary schools have taken on the challenge of showcasing their oratory and dramatic skills. Students will re-enact famous Anasi stories such as Anasi and the Spider and Anasi and the Talking Melon. They will all be competing for the Pearl Eintou Springer Challenge Trophy.

Judges at the competition were Dr. Claudius Fergus, UWI Lecturer, Tracey Wilson, Director Education ESC, One Piankhi, Historian and Wendy Mc Kenzie, History teacher. The competition is also being chaired by radio and television personality, Verne ‘Antix' Extravour.

Through the Bank's Power to Make a Difference Programme, Republic Bank remains committed to the development of our youth through education, sports and culture. We wish all the participants great success in the competition

Be viewing CNMG Channel 6, this November for the broadcast of the competition.