RIYADH, 27 November 2005 — Toastmasters will extend a helping hand to students wishing to improve their public-speaking skills through the formation of a special club geared to young people, the Serendib Toastmasters Club announced on Thursday.
The news came during the club’s Fourth Anniversary and Awards Ceremony. The student group will be called the Gavel Club and is the first of its kind in the Kingdom.
“This is a good opportunity for the students to learn the skills of public speaking at a very early stage,” said Xavier Arulandoo, the club’s charter president. “We believe that the skills you can gain from this program will enhance the new generation’s chances of success as distinguished communicators and leaders in this competitive world.”
Sri Lankan Ambassador A.M.J. Sadiq was the guest of honor, and Arab News columnist Lubna Hussain was the guest speaker at the event, which was attended by more than 200 people.
Hussein also was honored by the group for her contributions in promoting the aims and aspirations of the Toastmasters.
“There is no gainsaying that the level of excellence achieved by STC in this remarkably short period of four years would have been well nigh impossible, if not for the sincere commitment and hard work of its enthusiastic members,” Sadiq said.
The diplomat suggested that similar clubs should be formed in Jeddah, Dammam and the other major cities of the Kingdom.
“The Serendib Toastmasters Club deserves a special bouquet because of its rapid progress during a short span,” Hussein said.
While assuring his full support for the progress and prosperity of the club, its new president, Cellacuddy Murugadas, noted that Toastmasters plays an important role in the community, workplaces and religious institutions.
Imtiaz Sultan was adjudged the “Toastmaster of the Year” while the “Most Improved Toastmaster” was awarded to Niron Dissanayake.
