YOUNG MINDS SHINE AT GAUTENG SPELLING BEE COMPETITION

By Madali Chibambu

• ⁠ ⁠The Gauteng Spelling Bee Competition brought together more than 100 learners from 10 Child and Youth Care Centres
• ⁠ ⁠The competition aims to enhance literacy, boost vocabulary and improve communication skills while fostering confidence and self-esteem among young participants.
• ⁠ ⁠Although trophies were awarded to the winners, every participant was celebrated as a winner for their effort and determination.

The Gauteng spelling bee competition on Saturday brought together more than 100 learners from 10 child and youth care centres  at the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre in the Northern Corridor.

The event aimed to enhance literacy, boost vocabulary, and improve communication skills while fostering confidence and self-esteem among young participants. Each participant had their moment on stage, facing the judges to spell out assigned words. Those who struggled were eliminated, but the experience remained a valuable learning opportunity for all.

A platform for growth and Connection

The Gauteng spelling bee is a competition initiated in 2014 by the department of social development aimed at improving the English literacy levels of intermediate phase learners, promoting a love for reading, writing and spelling. Among the participants on Saturday  *Thabang (not his real name), who shared how the event has enriched his learning experience.

“This is my second time attending the Spelling Bee, and I’ve already made friends from different institutions. We talk about schoolwork and share our experiences with care workers.  The competition has helped me think quickly and improved my schoolwork,” he said.

The Child and Youth Care Centres that participated included:

• ⁠ ⁠Busisiwe Modisakeng CYCC
• ⁠ ⁠Desmond Tutu CYCC
• ⁠ ⁠Don Mattera CYCC
• ⁠ ⁠Ga-Rankuwa Rearabilwe CYCC
• ⁠ ⁠Igugulethu CYCC
• ⁠ ⁠Mabutho Hlatshwayo CYCC
• ⁠ ⁠Mary Moodley CYCC
• ⁠ ⁠Walter Sisulu CYCC

Ensuring care and fairness

According to Kwele Mathlodi, a care worker from Soshanguve secure care centre, a supervision plan was put in place to ensure the children’s well-being throughout the event. Additionally, nurses were on-site to assist children on medication, ensuring their health needs were met with proper medical care.

More than just a competition

Although trophies were awarded to the winners, every participant was celebrated as a winner for their effort and determination. “It makes us proud to see them interact, support each other, and grow through the spelling bee competition,” said Mathlodi.

A dedicated spelling bee committee, consisting of child and youth care workers from various institutions, continues to work on developing young minds by promoting cognitive growth through engaging and friendly competition.The event was not just about spelling words, it was a celebration of learning, confidence, and friendships that will leave a lasting impact on these young learners.