The National Health Polytechnics English Olympic (NHPEO) is the name of the competition held among Health Polytechnics throughout Indonesia under The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. This competition, which exclusively featured English debate competitions, was first introduced in 2012 at Health Polytechnics of Bengkulu and was known as the National Health Polytechnic English Debate Championship (NHPEDC). Subsequently NHPEDCs were held in Health Polytechnics of Malang (2013), Health Polytechnics of Palu (2014), Health Polytechnics of Pontianak (2015), Health Polytechnics of Denpasar (2015), and Health of Polytechnics of Jakarta III (2018). The contest was rebranded as NHPEO in 2019 and took place in the Health Polytechnics of Yogyakarta in 2019, Health Polytechnics of Makassar in 2021, Health Polytechnics of Padang in 2022, and Health Polytechnics of Surabaya in 2023. The 11th NHPEO in the Health Polytechnics of Palu once more in 2024.
At the event, the Semarang Health Polytechnic sent students to participate in competitions held, namely Debate, Public Speaking, Storytelling, Writing, Vlogs, and Posters. By participating in NHPEO, students have the opportunity to hone their communication skills, sharpen their analytical thinking, and expand their knowledge of various perspectives and ideas.
The English competition encourages students to think critically, ask questions about assumptions, and develop empathy and understanding from different viewpoints. These skills are invaluable not only in academic pursuits, but also in everyday life, enabling students to navigate complex issues, resolve conflicts, and contribute positively to their communities.
The deputy director of student affairs, Esti Handayani, who accompanied the competition, said that the Semarang Ministry of Health Poltekkes was accomplished by winning several categories:
- Silver medallist on story telling novice category: Mazidah Fauziyyah Zaini DIII Radiologi Purwokerto
- Silver medallist on public speaking master category: Retno Roso Wulan DIII Kebidanan Semarang
- Bronze medallist on writing novice category: Lavenda Neysa Callista, DIII Radiologi Purwokerto
- 1st runner up debate novice category: Noviansyah Tahta Amirullah Sarjana Terapan Teknik Radiologi Pencitraan Semarang and Annisa Rizka Cahyaningrum, Sarjana Terapan Gizi dan Dietetika
The academic community appreciated the achievements of the students who participated in the competition. The head of the language unit, Dewi Andang Prastika, as an accompanying lecturer thanked the students for their participation, but they needed to continue practicing to achieve even more in the future. Congratulation for all delegates!
