The National Speech Contest for Students of Schools for the Blind and Visually Impaired, an annual competition for which Sumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee has been a special sponsor since 2003, was held on October 4, 2024, at Hotel Lake View Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The speech contest has a long, distinguished history going all the way back to its inception in 1928. This year’s contest was the 92nd. At the national contest, held before an audience of about 140 people, in their excellent speeches, the nine finalists ranging in age from 13 to 50, selected from seven regions covering Japan, discussed their challenges and aspirations, while also expressing their appreciation of those who have assisted and inspired them along the way.
Ms. Khan Fatima Furanshisuko won the first prize in this year’s contest with a speech titled “My precious space.” She is a third-year senior high school general course student at Saitama Prefectural Special Support School Hanawa Hokiichi Academy. In the spring of 2013, she began attending a local elementary school, eagerly anticipating a positive experience. However, her life at school turned out to be distressing, as no one showed understanding of her visual impairment.
Ms. Khan experienced a turning point in the sixth grade when she transferred to Hanawa Hokiichi Academy for the Blind. There, she shared her story with classmates who empathized with her, and even during challenging times, she found support from teachers who listed to her attentively. Surrounded by warmth and kindness, Ms. Khan gradually regained her former cheerful self. She closed her speech with a gentle yet powerful message: “Don’t stay hidden in your shell. Go out to explore the wide world. If you do, I am sure you will find a place that is truly precious to you.”
This year’s special judge was Mr. Mashiko Tatsuro, a composer, lyricist, singer-songwriter, and radio personality. He praised each of the passionate speakers and his comments helped foster a warm, supportive and inclusive atmosphere at the venue.
This year marked the 21st anniversary of Sumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee’s special support for the speech contest. The Sumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee’s activities are inspired by the Group message, “Passing important values from people to people.” We relish the opportunity to contribute to the success of this contest in bringing the words and example of these life-affirming inspirational individuals to the attention of the wide audience they so richly deserve.
Click here to read about previous National Speech Contests for Students of Schools for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
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