McArthur backs primary school competition to improve kids’ communication skills

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur is supporting VoiceBox, a Scotland-wide joke telling competition designed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists to improve communication skills.

One in four children in Scotland have a predicted speech, language or communication need. Undetected or unmet speech, language and communication problems can lead to challenges with their learning, wellbeing and future life chances.

All primary schools across Scotland are invited to bring laughter into their classrooms this term by taking part in the competition. Pupils with the funniest jokes can be nominated by their school, and one finalist from Orkney will be invited to attend the National Final in the Scottish Parliament on 6 June alongside children from across the country. Mr McArthur has written to the headteachers of primary schools in Orkney to encourage them to take part.

All finalists will receive £100 worth of HarperCollins books, and the pupils with the three best jokes will receive a toy gift card worth up to £100 and up to £500 worth of Collins Big Cat books for their school.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“VoiceBox is a great initiative – a lighthearted way to help develop kids’ communication skills and confidence. I am really pleased to be supporting it.

“I hope as many children as possible from across the isles take part. And I look forward to hearing the jokes from all the finalists, but especially the funniest joke from Orkney, at the national final in the Scottish Parliament.”