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Youth Interactive Writer
All is set for the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee national finals scheduled to take place at Mother Touch Junior School in Tynwald, today where 71 schools are battling for the title.
This year’s edition will see three junior and three senior students representing the country in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in December for the African Spelling Championships.
The competition which is running under the theme, “A Gathering of Young Linguists: In a Celebration of Language and Knowledge” is a distinguished educational programme promoting literacy and cultural exchange.
According to the organisers, the competition has been a remarkable journey, with regional competitions held in various cities where it brought together approximately 3 500 students from all over the country.
Director of Zimbabwe Spelling Bee Adv James Bayanai, said the six winners will walk away with tablets, cash prizes, and consolation prizes among others.
“This international competition will see them compete against students from 20 other African nations, fostering cross-cultural understanding and educational excellence,” he said.
“Winners of our competitions have had the privilege to represent Zimbabwe on international stages, including the SCRIPPS USA Spelling Bee, in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.”
Bayani is grateful for the support of various organisations and companies that have made the finale possible.
“Tika Shoes, for instance, has generously donated 100 pairs of shoes towards the event, contributing to the success of the national finals.
“Spelling Bee is also proud to be supported by other notable companies, including Simbisa Brands, Xcelerate Zimbabwe, and the Canadian Embassy, among others.”
“These partnerships showcase a commitment to education and cultural enrichment and reinforce the impact that collaboration can have on our youth and the broader community,” he said.
Asked to explain what Spelling Bee was all about, Bayanai said:
“A spelling bee is a competition that challenges participants to spell English words correctly.
“This programme offers Zimbabwean students an opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in spelling and enhances their language skills.
“The project is intended to increase a culture of broad learning among young people in Zimbabwe. This initiative is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s basic education system. Many children still leave primary and secondary school without the necessary literacy or numeracy skills to progress into tertiary education or the working world. Zimbabwe Spelling Bee is a literacy and educator capacity-building initiative committed to tackling this challenge head-on,” he explains.
Bayanai said the key actors in a spelling bee include three crucial roles.
“The participant who is the speller in the competition, the judge or recording judge who is responsible for controlling the contest, upholding the rules, determining correct spellings, and making final decisions, and the pronouncer who correctly pronounces words for the speller and provides definitions and usage in sentences if requested.”
“Contestants are expected to maintain discipline and focus. Certain behaviors, such as using mobile devices or making noise, can result in disqualification,” he said.
He later invited the community, parents, educators, and supporters of education to join in celebrating this fantastic showcase of talent, language, and learning.
Online Reporter