THE DEPARTMENT HOSTS A SPELLING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN FROM INSTITUTIONS

By Madali Chibambu

• Over 100 learners from ten child and youth care centres participated in the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s annual spelling bee programme, held at Itereleng Residence Centre for the Disabled in Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane.
• The programme aims to enhance vocabulary, build self-esteem, and promote cognitive development through friendly competition among young people from various care institutions.
• Learners competed in three categories, receiving support and encouragement from care workers, fostering a sense of belonging and academic achievement.

More than 100 learners from ten child and youth care centres participated in a spelling bee competition. The programme, hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development at the Itereleng Residence Centre for the Disabled in Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane, saw learners proudly dressed in their colourful uniforms representing their institutions.

The Department of Social Development oversees ten institutions catering to children and youth in need of care and protection. The spelling bee competition aims to develop young people’s vocabulary and build their self-esteem. Simphiwe Nzama, Assistant Director of the Institutions Directorate, highlighted that the Spelling Bee fosters friendly competition, boosts morale, and encourages excellence among participants.

Children from institutions such as Desmond Tutu CYCC, Don Mattera CYCC, Dr. Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre, Emmasdal CYCC, Garankuwa Rearabilwe CYCC, Igugulethu CYCC, JW Luckhoff CYCC, Mary Moodley CYCC, Soshanguve Secure Care, and Walter Sisulu CYCC participated in the event. “The Spelling Bee Committee, comprising child and youth care workers from various institutions, aims to promote cognitive development through friendly competitions,” said Nzama.

Each institution brought a group of 15 children and three care workers. During lunchtime, all children were provided with burgers, chips, and juice to ensure uniformity and foster a sense of belonging. The competition was divided into three categories: foundation phase, intermediary phase, and senior phase. Participants were given a word and sentence, with the option to ask for a definition or have the word repeated. They could pass on a word twice during the competition.

Two brothers, who cannot be named to protect their identities, proudly shared that they have earned more than three certificates each and have never missed a competition. “We support each other and make sure we do our best in all the competitions we enter,” they said.