MAHIKENG MAIL – MAHIKENG - In celebration of Literacy Month, the North West Department of Education hosted the Provincial Spelling Bee Competition at Mafikeng Primary School in Mafikeng from 10 to 12 September to promote reading among learners and empower them with skills to enhance their vocabulary in different languages.
The competition, kick-started on 10 September with Grade 3 learners who participated in English and Setswana oral competitions, showcasing their skills in poetry, spelling, and reading comprehension.
The foundation phase learners demonstrated exceptional fluency in spelling and reading various texts, accurately answering questions and reading for meaning.
The event was highlighted by impressive Setswana poetry presentations, where young poets dressed in traditional attire celebrating Heritage Month with the phrase ‘Ke kgwedi ya ngwao go keteka segarona’ (This is the month of heritage, let’s showcase our culture). The MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, emphasised that the department is seriously paying attention to shortcomings in lower grades.
“As a department we are serious about improving the results from the lower grades. That is why we have implemented the Spelling Bee Competition. We are serious about the performance of learners from the foundation phase.
“I am encouraging parents at home to motivate learners to read. Parents should start library corners at home to stimulate the interest of reading from the children,” MEC Motsumi added.
All participants received certificates and medals, while the winners were awarded trophies.
