A total 58 spellers from sector one – which includes Greater Accra, Tema and Takoradi – of the Spelling Bee Competition have qualified for the national finals scheduled for February next year.
The qualified spellers will compete with colleagues from sector two – which covers the Kumasi, Sunyani, and Obuasi – at the national finals in Accra.
In sector one, a total 58 participants out of 70 qualified for the next stage. Commenting on the achievement, Programmes Director at Young Educators Foundation, Salome Dzakpasu, said it is an impressive achievement that demonstrates their dedication and hard work.
The training sessions’ focus revolved around strengthening spelling skills through a range of activities. Students were exposed to exercises aimed at improving vocabulary, mastering spelling rules and enhancing their understanding of word origins and roots. By laying a solid foundation in language fundamentals, participants were equipped with the necessary tools to excel in the competition.
Qualified students will undergo further training in preparation for the national finals. Additional coaching sessions will be conducted to refine their spelling abilities and enhance their overall performance.
The competition’s organisers expressed gratitude for the students’ remarkable achievements thus far, and reiterated their commitment to supporting them throughout their journey. The national finals will provide an opportunity for these talented spellers to showcase their skills on a larger stage and determine who emerges as the ultimate champion.
The programme, which has previously worked with a school for the blind, aims to provide equal opportunities for students with different abilities. The inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds not only enriches the competition but also promotes inclusivity and understanding among participants.
She said the students’ performance was impressive, considering that approximately 80 percent of them were participating for the first time. “Despite their lack of prior experience, they confidently stood on stage expressing themselves with poise and clarity. This level of confidence is commendable even for adults, and speaks volumes about the support and guidance provided by the programme,” she added.
The success of this year’s semi-final is particularly significant, as it marks the first time many of the participants have met in person… having previously competed virtually.
One of the spellers who qualified for the finals, Princess Diana. expressed joy and said her qualification comes with a lot of tasks, which are much prepared for. She is hopeful that come February 2024 she will be crowned as the competition’s champion.
