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Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow pupil makes final of Scottish national joke contest
Hedi Hemin, a primary four pupil from Knightswood Primary, was among the finalists at the VoiceBox grand final, organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). The event saw 32 pupils from across Scotland take to the stage, each representing their local authority with a joke performed in front of MSPs, families, and supporters. Hedi Hemin (Image: Supplied) Thousands of jokes were submitted from hundreds of primary schools across the country. Glenn Carter, head of RCSLT Scotland, said: "While the event is full of joy and laughter, its purpose is serious. Read more: Scots are being offered physical 'rain cheques' to help keep their spirits up Nine men charged over mobbing and rioting before Partick Thistle game in Ayr Spider-Man 4 filming to take over Glasgow city centre this summer "Speech, language, and communication are essential skills that underpin a child's learning, relationships, and long-term opportunities. "VoiceBox shines a light on this by showing just what children can achieve when they're supported to express themselves." The competition aims to highlight the importance of early speech, language, and communication development, as well as the value of speech and language therapy. Ezra Pasifull, a Primary Three pupil from Oakbank Primary in Perth and Kinross, was crowned Scotland's funniest young comedian. His winning joke was: "I bought 10 bees but the beekeeper gave me 11 bees. "I asked him why there is an extra bee and he said, because that one's a 'Free Bee!" The final was hosted by Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, and compered by BBC journalist and comedian Zara Janjua. Johnstone MSP said: "It was a pleasure to welcome so many young people from across Scotland to their Parliament. "Following a strong nationwide competition, I want to congratulate all our finalists. "The effort, imagination, and thought that went into their contributions was extremely impressive. "I'm pleased that once again the Parliament was able to support such a worthwhile competition.' The competition was held at the Scottish Parliament for the second year, following its launch on Blue Monday in January. Each of the 32 finalists received £100 worth of books from sponsors Collins Big Cat, with the winning school bagging £500 worth of books. The runner-up, Freya McVie Branley from St Winning's Primary School, and third-place winner, Craig Speirs from Shortlees Primary School, were awarded £200 worth of books for their schools. They also received toy gift cards, with the winner getting £100, second place £75, and third £50.
Glasgow Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow pupil reaches final of national joke contest
Hedi Hemin, a primary four pupil at Knightswood Primary School, was crowned the winner of Glasgow City's regional heat in the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' (RCSLT) VoiceBox competition. The national contest is designed to celebrate the power of communication through humour. Read more: Glasgow ranked as second funniest city in UK Hedi's winning joke has earned them a spot in the grand final at the Scottish Parliament on June 5, where 32 of Scotland's funniest primary school pupils will compete for the title of VoiceBox Champion 2025. The event is set to be hosted by the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, with BBC journalist and stand-up comedian, Zara Janjua, as compère. VoiceBox, now in its second year, launched on Blue Monday, the so-called "saddest day of the year", bringing a different energy to the day. Since then, schools across Scotland have been submitting their funniest entries in a testament to confidence, creativity, and communication. Read more: Calling all Glaswegians — Lidl wants your voice at its self-checkouts Hedi has already secured £100 worth of Collins Big Cat books for their school and is now in the running for the top prizes, which include £500 of books for the winning school, £200 of books for second and third place, and a £100 toy gift card for the top three finalists. Glenn Carter, head of RCSLT Scotland, said: "We're incredibly proud of all the regional winners who've earned a place in the national final. "VoiceBox is about much more than making people laugh. "It's about highlighting the vital role that communication plays in every part of a child's life. "Speech, language, and communication skills are the foundation for learning, social connection, mental wellbeing, and future employment. "Yet too many children still struggle without the support they need, often going unnoticed. "Competitions like VoiceBox show just how powerful a child's voice can be when given a platform and why it's so important that we continue to invest in speech and language therapy to support children's communication. "These children aren't just telling jokes. "They're showing us how the ability to communicate can positively impact confidence, creativity, and connection." Lizzi Jones, head of sales and marketing for HarperCollins Scotland, said: "Supporting VoiceBox allows us to champion children's literacy and communication, all through the simple joy of telling a joke. "We can't wait to hear all the jokes at Holyrood."
