Kolaka – The English Language Education Program at FKIP Universitas Sembilanbelas November (USN) Kolaka hosted the English Expo 5, involving 20 schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels. The three-day event (November 4–6, 2024) challenged participants with various competitive activities, including quizzes, public speaking, English debates, storytelling, and spelling bee contests.
Dean of FKIP USN Kolaka, Dr. Syarifuddin Tundreng, S.Pd., M.Hum, emphasized that the English Expo is a prestigious annual event aimed at enhancing English proficiency. He highlighted that the competition not only strengthens language skills but also contributes to competency-based education, preparing students to be confident and courageous in the global era.
"I believe that every participant here is highly motivated and striving to give their best. Beyond the competition, this event teaches essential values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and ethical competition—character traits crucial for shaping future leaders," he stated.
Dr. Syarifuddin also underscored the significance of English as an international language in bridging communication and global collaboration. He pointed out that in today’s interconnected world, mastering English is a vital skill that unlocks numerous opportunities.
"Through this event, we hope students will not only excel in academic English but also apply their skills in real-world contexts—such as public speaking, debating, critical thinking, and, most importantly, communicating with confidence," he added.
He further stressed that the English Expo is more than just a competition; it serves as a platform for students to explore their potential and refine their talents.
"Believe in yourselves and don’t hesitate to showcase your abilities. Most importantly, treat every experience in this expo as a valuable learning process," he encouraged.
Meanwhile, Ray Suryadi, S.Pd., M.Pd, Coordinator of the English Language Education Program, expressed his surprise at the exceptional English skills displayed by Kolaka’s students during the event. He credited this to the dedication of competent teachers who continuously train students to be competitive.
"I encourage students with English talents to continue their education in our English Language Education Program. We offer free registration, and students will receive advanced training to prepare for national-level English debate competitions organized by the Ministry of Education next year," he concluded.
