JOVOC HOSTS. JOVOC COMPETES. JOVOC MAKES ITS MARK.
St. Joseph’s Vocational School Mbarara (JOVOC) hosted schools from across the Archdiocese of Mbarara for the 2nd Regional Debate, Public Speaking and Poetry Competition, held under the theme “Leadership and Environmental Conservation.”
The competition brought together talented young debaters, public speakers and poets for a day of intellectual engagement, creativity and competition, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to think critically, articulate ideas and engage confidently with contemporary issues.
As the host institution, JOVOC did more than provide the stage. The home team stepped onto it and made its presence felt.
JOVOC Speakers Reach the Finals
JOVOC delivered a strong performance in the Public Speaking category, with both of the school’s representatives progressing to the finals.
Ainebyoona Moses distinguished himself with an exceptional performance and was recognised as Best Speaker, while Ainamaani Oscar secured Second Runner-Up in Public Speaking.
Their performances demonstrated confidence, clarity of thought and the ability to communicate ideas effectively before an audience and adjudication panel.
Debate Team Battles to the Final
The JOVOC Debate Team also produced an impressive showing throughout the competition.
Debate Team A carried the JOVOC flag into the final, eventually finishing Second Runners-Up and earning silver medals following a highly competitive series of debates.
The school’s representative in Poetry also mounted a spirited challenge, progressing through the competition before narrowly bowing out at the semifinal stage.
A Day of Leadership and Intellectual Competition
At the conclusion of the competition, the overall trophy went to St. Charles Lwanga, while JOVOC concluded the event with medals, individual honours and certificates across the different categories.
Beyond the awards, however, the competition provided something equally significant: an opportunity for students to strengthen the skills of critical thinking, research, public communication, creativity, teamwork and leadership.
Under the theme “Leadership and Environmental Conservation,” participants were challenged not merely to speak persuasively, but also to engage thoughtfully with questions concerning leadership and responsibility towards the environment.
The event reflected JOVOC’s continued commitment to providing students with opportunities that extend beyond conventional classroom learning and prepare them to express themselves confidently, defend ideas responsibly and participate meaningfully in society.
From debate to poetry, and from public speaking to leadership, the competition offered a powerful reminder that the ability to think, speak and lead is a skill worth cultivating.
At JOVOC, that generation is being built.
We hosted. We competed. We made our mark.
Ora et Labora – Pray and Work.
