Who Is The Best ?
Good afternoon everyone; Assalam alaykum.
I’m honored to join you this afternoon for the grand finale of the 2024 “Who is the Best” Competition.
And I’m very happy that you’re all such good students of English that I don’t have to give this speech in French.
I’d like to start by offering my warmest thanks to all of the wonderful students who have participated so enthusiastically in this program.
And by offering my deep appreciation to le Centre Africain d’Études Supérieures en Gestion and especially Professor Houndekon, as well as le Centre Regional de Leadership YALI, for their partnership and hard work in pulling this event together.
I would also like to thank the directors of the regional cultural centers in Louga, Thiès, and Ziguinchor, and the current and former directors of the research and documentation center in Saint-Louis, for your wonderful partnership and for being here today.
Thank you for hosting our American Spaces and for everything you do to promote closer ties between the United States and Senegal.
And I thrilled to extend my sincere congratulations to the winning high schools from the regional competitions: Nouveau Lycée from Louga; Lycée Cheikh Omar Foutiyou Tall from Saint-Louis; Lycée Cheikh Mourath Ndao de Mékhé from Thiès; and Lycée Djignabo from Ziguinchor.
Thank you all again for participating in this program, and best of luck to all of you in today’s final competition.
This event showcases the amazing talent and dedication of students from across Senegal, which I have been lucky to see again and again during my time in this country.
You, your fellow students, your teachers, and your parents should all be exceptionally proud of the hard work and dedication you have shown to reach this point.
This competition has a proud history, originating at the American Corner Louga where it has been a successful program for the past 10 years.
This year marks the exciting expansion of this contest into a nationwide event, in coordination with four of our American Spaces in Senegal, and we are delighted that over 3,000 students participated in the events leading up to today’s grand finale.
When I think about the thousands of Senegalese students, just like yourselves, who are taking on the challenge of learning English, I feel very impressed and very inspired.
The English language is a powerful tool that can open many professional and educational opportunities.
And learning languages – and particularly English – is also an excellent way to learn about the world we share, and the people we share it with.
When you can speak directly with people from different cultures and countries, you build bridges and create friendships across continents.
The opportunity to communicate and connect with others not only enriches our own lives, but encourages cooperation, understanding, and solidarity in our increasingly interconnected world.
By choosing to study English, you’re not just learning another academic subject: you’re preparing yourself to be a citizen of the world.
This valuable tool, combined with your intelligence, big dreams, and hard work, will be the keys to your success, and all of us at the U.S. Embassy are proud to offer you our encouragement and support.
Through our American Corners, we provide resources and opportunities for young people like you to learn, grow, and connect with each other here in Senegal, with the United States, and with the world.
Programs like “Who is the Best” play a helpful role in building self-confidence, increasing awareness of global challenges, and helping young leaders find potential solutions.
Today’s participants are tomorrow’s leaders, educators, visionaries, authors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
And our American Corners and their staffs are here to support your journey.
On that note, I want to give a special thank you to the organizers, teachers, coaches, and American Corner Coordinators and volunteers who have supported these students along the way.
Your dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders is more important than I can say, and your partnership has been instrumental in making this competition a reality.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the creativity and passion each team brings to today’s finale.
But no matter which team wins, your hard work, dedication, and achievements have already made each one of you a winner.
After today, I hope you will continue to pursue your goals with the same passion and commitment you’ve shown during this competition.
Thank you again for the opportunity to join you today, and I wish you great success in the days ahead.
Merci. Thank you. Jërëjëf. And good luck!
