OWN CORRESPONDENT
The Masvingo-based Kyle College will represent Zimbabwe in the upcoming African Spelling Bee competition scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in December.
The school emerged as the top performer at the recently held Zimbabwe National Spelling Bee competitions held at Samuel Centenary Academy in Harare recently.
The 2024 edition of the national competitions saw 200 schools from across the country showcasing their spelling prowess and command of the King’s language.
Notable attendees included Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana, Adler Aristilde.
The National Spelling Bee aims to encourage students to develop their language skills while fostering healthy competition and a sense of camaraderie.
In this latest edition, the competition witnessed fierce yet friendly rivalry among participants, all eager to represent their schools and ultimately, Zimbabwe on the international stage.
“The competition goes beyond mere spelling, encapsulating the drive, ambition, and dreams that the participants harbor for their futures,” remarked Ambassador Aristilde.
Over the years, the competition has gained prominence, attracting schools from across the country, each eager to make their mark.
It serves as a stepping stone for students to access higher levels of the spelling bee circuit, including the prestigious African Spelling Bee.
Spelling Bee Zimbabwe is the brain child of USA based Advocate James Bayanai.
The idea which started from humble beginnings was confined to Harare only but now covers the whole country.
The program is now coordinated by Zimbabwe Youth Development Foundation Trust (ZYDFT), a not for profit organization that promotes literacy in Zimbabwe.
ZYDFT is registered through a trust deed in the country and the desire of Spelling Bee is to afford scholars an opportunity to learn words through sportsmanship.
ZYDFT has successfully coordinated Zimbabwe National Spelling Bee Championships in previous years and has reached over 5 000 scholars in its programme.
Zimbabwe Spelling Bee is supported by various institutions such as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Zimbabwe UN as well as the United States and Canadian embassies.
Zimbabwe Spelling Bee started in 2015 and its mandate is to go around schools for spelling championships, promote literacy and create educational opportunities for learners.
The national coordinator, Eneresi Chomsora who is based in Harare said last year very few schools took part in the competitions, but said this year they have managed to cover the whole country.
Last year the competitions were held at Charles Austin for Masvingo Province where South Eastern College, Pamushana High school, Kyle Preparatory took part.
Goldrich Primary in Kwekwe and Kyle Preparatory from Masvingo in the juniors category and seniors category Prince of Grace in Chegutu won the national finals and runners up were Lomagundi College from Chinhoyi and Sharon Junior of Harare.
The schools went on to represent the country in continental finals held in Uganda where Kyle came a respectable third.
Kyle Prep participants
Mukundi Masimba
Alex Madhombiro
Bokani Maphosa
Kudzwai Gozo
David Chikarakara
Moreblessing Dumbura
Reserve team
Ariana Rushwaya
Chloe Mangamhi
Khloe Bhunu
Peter Mangodza
Devante Chingaira
Chelsea Nyamapfeni
Teachers
Mrs. Chinyama and Mr. Gombarume.
