BBC Awards
In 1988, to mark the William and Mary Tercentenary, a public speaking competition for schools was initiated by the GNE. The underlying idea was to establish a special annual project to encourage young people in Dutch secondary schools to improve their skills in communication in the English language. Originally, it was only meant to be part of the tercentenary activities, but such was its success, it was adopted as an annual project. In 1995, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the GNE was reason enough for the society to organize a young writers competition, set up in close cooperation with the British Council. The two competitions continued to grow in popularity and professionalism, thanks to the efforts of many GNE members and several generous sponsors. The well-known pharmaceutical company Glaxo, later Glaxo Welcome, was the main sponsor for 15 years. Then the BBC took over as main sponsor and the two competitions were run in parallel as one annual event: the BBC Young Writers and Public Speaking Awards. Its aim is extremely well suited to the BBC`s sense of corporate social responsibility and commitment, especially in the context of the younger generation and education. Besides enjoying the sponsorship of the BBC, `the Awards` is also supported by several other organizations and individuals. They all underline the importance of this initiative by the GNE to organize competitions for young people striving for excellence in the English language, both in the spoken and written form. In our internationally orientated world, experience gained at the Awards is a most valuable asset in the education and career of every participant, even if he or she doesn`t won a top prize. Thanks to the support of many parties, the Awards has now become a prestigious national event in the Netherlands - something the GNE can be very proud of! The Awards website has been redesigned and contains everything you may need to know about the 2010 programme.
Please click this link: BBC AWARDS
Organising committee members from left to right: Hans Kräwinkel (chair); Jac van den Ende; Ingrid de Beer.
- Wim van den Berg, Christelijke Hogeschool Ede: Runner-up Young Writers Awards (YWA);
- Lucy Hockings: Moderator, Presenter at BBC World News;
- Marjolein Wiersma, Gomarus College Groningen: Runner-up Public Speaking Awards (PSA);
- Paul Arkwright, British Ambassador;
- Roza Rashaan, Christelijk Lyceum Delft: Winner PSA and Winner of the Audience Awards PSA.
- Sanne de Boer, Maartens College & International School Groningen, Winner of the Audiance Awards YWA;
- Renate den Bak, De Passie Utrecht, Winner YWA.
(foto W.J.Ritman, Zeist) Paul Arkwright, British Ambassador and Roza Rashaan, Christelijk Lyceum Delft: Winner of PSA 2010 and winner of the Audience Awards PSA 2010.
Foto (W.J.Ritman, Zeist)Roza Rashaan, Christelijk Lyceum Delft: Winner of PSA 2010 and winner of the Audience Awards PSA 2010.
For more pictures click on Awards 2010
To view the the compilation of the final as broadcasted on television:
click on broadcast finals 2010