The Pusiga district in the Upper East Region has hosted the inaugural Tomorrow’s Icons Awards.
This is the first-ever children’s talent competition in the area designed to discover, nurture, and celebrate the creativity and skills of schoolchildren.
The competition, which attracted over 200 children and their families, was a mark of display of talent, with 21 finalists selected from auditions, each showcasing their remarkable abilities in dance, poetry, singing, and cultural performances.
The event featured diverse performances, ranging from dance routines to moving poetry recitals, each act captivating the audience and demonstrating the depth of talent within Pusiga’s young generation.
The competition not only provided a platform for the children to showcase their skills but also offered a rare opportunity for exposure to the larger world of performance and artistry.
Six standout participants were honored as top winners. They each received cash prizes, along with essential learning materials, recognizing their skills and dedication. Additionally, all participants received learning materials, ensuring that everyone who took part in the event left with something meaningful.
The winners were Glorious Dancers from Zong-Natinga Primary School for dancing category, Infinity Crew from Pusiga Girls Model JHS also for dancing category, Aisha Suwaidu from Pusiga Girls Model Primary School for Poetry Recital and Samiatu M. Abilla from Pusiga Practice for dancing.
The rest are Janet Abugri from Nakom JHS 3 on Poetry Recital) and Naeema M. Simaara from Pusiga Girls Model Primary School, also for Poetry Recital.
Many expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their talents. One of them, Joseph Mbugri, commended the event and encouraged the children to continue pursuing their dreams.
“I’m happy to see these children perform like this. It is a good call,” he said. “I urge you to learn hard, and to those who have not won, better luck next time. I love you all.”
The lead organizer, Isaac Awinimi was equally excited, sharing his plans for the future.
“I have organised children’s events for the past years and have a passion for kids. So, I want to assure you that, with what you demonstrated today, I’m going to work with the team to send some of you to national talent awards. The sky is the limit.”
The judges, Zakia and Felicia, also offered encouragement, reminding the contestants that their efforts were valuable, regardless of the results.
“I started with you from the audition to this grand finale,” she said. “One or two things may go wrong, but still believe in yourselves. You put up your best. You are all winners, no matter your position. Congrats.”
“It is a learning process,” she explained. “If you don’t win today, you could be the winner tomorrow, so keep practicing,” Felicia said.
The Tomorrow’s Icons Awards was supported by the Atongi Family and Friends Basic Needs Foundation, led by Gertrude Teni Atongi and her team in the United States.
The organising team, based in Pusiga, worked to ensure the event’s success.
With the first edition now a resounding success, Gertrude said they would continue to empower children in the area through entertainment to showcase their talent and boost their self-esteem.
“The future plan we have for this event is to take it further down the road to the national level for them to go and compete on TV in Ghana and zoom for our US Sponsors,” she said.
Gertrude advised the children who participated that there are no limits to what they can achieve, and they have the potential to become anyone they aspire to be as long as they stay focused.
She emphasized that, “it doesn’t matter where you come from—believe in yourself and your dreams.”
She mentioned various activities to support the organisation’s ongoing efforts, including events like Kids’ Fun and Learn Day, which will feature brief lessons on topics such as hygiene, kindness, and teamwork.
Additionally, there will be a School Supply Drive to provide essential items like books, pens, and bags to underprivileged children.
The organisation will also organise Reading and Literacy Clubs, holding monthly reading sessions within communities, as well as academic competitions, among other initiatives.
These efforts are designed to keep the organisation active and continue supporting the children.
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