By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Parents of a group of grade 1 to 7 learners where extremely excited as their children who entered the first spelling bee competition of its kind performed very well in both English and Sesotho. The event was organised by Shelomi publications and was held at MalutiTVET college’s Kwetlisong campus on 25 September.
“The reason we entered this competition is because as an English medium school we always try to look for ways to encourage and develop our learners. The teacher who started all this has since left the school, but we thought that it would be good to carry on and support the legacy that she has left us. We managed to enter thirty – five learners in the competition,” Kpogoh Naah Selorm the deputy principal of Progressive intermediate school.
Neo Zamisa an educator from Educollege primary school says that the school entered fifty – nine learners of which sixteen did not attend. Zamisa is also one of the proud parents whose child won the English spelling competition for grade 3 and this is what she had to say when speaking to The Guard, “Oh my goodness, I did not expect this. I am very excited and proud of my son.” Siphesihle said that he is happy that he won and that his winning formula was practicing everyday with his dad. Onthatilee Nkhela from Harmony Edu – College was there with her mom Dieketseng Nkhela and she won the English grade 4 spelling competition. ” I am very proud of Onthatilee because she is my learner and I helped her to practice for this competition, ” Selina Mohohlo the English teacher from Harmony Edu – College said
Edu – College was the only school that entered its learners for the Sesotho spelling bee and this is what Wetsi Moloi had to say after winning the grade 5 competition for Sesotho, “I told myself that anything could happen because I was practicing the Sesotho words in English but I knew that I know these words so I am very happy that I won.” Sylvia Moloi who is Wetsi’s mom said that she is very proud of her son because he told her that she must not worry about him because he knows his Sesotho.
“I was a bit worried because the guidelines said the kids must practice in English but when they got to the stage, they had to spell the words in Sesotho. I didn’t expect my son to do so well so I am very proud of him for winning,” Moloi said.
Schools that participated in this competition are Progressive International school, Edu – College, Harmony Edu – College and those learners who entered as individuals. The first, second and third place winners in each grade were awarded with certificates and medals.
