SIX champions drawn from the country’s primary and high schools are set to represent the nation at this year’s edition of the African Spelling Bee Competitions from December 4 to 9 in Ethiopia.
The Zimbabwe National Spelling Bee Competitions 2023 featuring 71 schools from across the country were held last week at Mother Touch Group of Schools in Harare. The competitions showcased the nation’s finest spellers, as they shared an enthusiasm for the beauty of language in a friendly atmosphere.
Prominent schools such as Lomagundi College, Hartmann House, Pamushana, Kyle Prep, Midlands Christian College, Lusitania and South Eastern College participated, bringing with them a diverse range of talent and a rich linguistic tapestry.
In the junior category, Ryan Mundende from Goldridge Primary School in Kwekwe emerged the ultimate winner, while Claudia-Jean Madhombiro from Kyle Prep School in Masvingo came second with Humayra Miya from Goldridge Primary School in Kwekwe ajudged third.
For the senior category, the overall winner was Kelly Gutu from Springs of Grace College, while Rumbidzai Funani from Lomagundi College and Shantel Bere from South Eastern College were second and third runners-up, respectively.
Founder and director of Zimbabwe Spelling Bee James Bayanai said the event was not just a spelling competition, but a celebration of linguistic diversity and a platform for cultural exchange.
“At Zimbabwe Spelling Bee, we are committed to reaching disadvantaged kids, promoting literacy, and fostering cultural understanding. Our initiative includes a scholarship programme that supports 20 children in the Chirumanzu rural community of Zimbabwe. We firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives,” he noted.
“We wish our winners the very best as they embark on this exciting journey. The Zimbabwe National Spelling Bee Competitions 2023 stand as a testament to the dedication of our young spellers and the commitment of our partners to promoting literacy and education in our nation."
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He said they looked forward to continued growth and success in the years to come.
The event was graced by, among others, Canadian ambassador to Zimbabwe Adler Aristilde, who was impressed by the magnitude of the competition and its remarkable ability to bring students from each of the country’s provinces under one roof. He reiterated the Canadian embassy’s commitment to promoting literacy in Zimbabwe and expressed enthusiasm to partner with the competition to further the noble cause.
Also, officials from the ministry of education graced the occasion.
