11 Aug 2022

Spelling Bee Botswana (SBB) helps students to improve their spelling, increase  vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them in all aspects of their lives.

Speaking during the official opening of the SBB annual National Competition on Tuesday, SBB public relations officer, Mr Tapiwa Anifasi said what started as a dream became reality and turned into a vision.

He said around 2012, North East region schools started the competition and since then, they rose from 12 schools to over 300, adding that Botswana once chaired African Spelling Bee Competitions.

Mr Anifasi noted that if people could not articulate themselves in English, it becomes a problem.

Regional Director Operations - North East region Mr Labane Mokgosi said their objective was to ensure that all schools in the North East region attain top five position, adding that they were still going to be the best.

“Spelling is one of the critical skills we look for in a student,” he said adding that spelling was fundamental and important as a slight mistake would give a totally different meaning or a different word.

He commended Spelling Bee for filling the gap and assisting government as English being the second language in Botswana was difficult.

A study has revealed that those at private schools have confidence in expressing themselves in English and this gives them an edge over their peer, he said adding that lack of confidence at times affects productivity.

“As a country, there is still a lot to do in regard to inclusive education,” as Spelling Bee has found it fit to include People Living with Disability, Mr Mokgosi said.

Motivational speaker, Ms Thandie Malebang of Rohi Investments said ‘’as a person, it is important that you know your contributions to your generation as your story matters.”

Ms Malebang said if one’s presence could not be felt, it meant that their absence was not recognised.

“Learn from your mistakes and be cognisant of where you are coming from or where you are going,” she said.

Senior teacher, Languages and Interpreting at Ramotswa Society for the Deaf, Ms Priscilla Sebolao said in 2018, SBB answered education for all by including learners who were visually impaired and those with deafness on their competitions.

Ms Sebolao said inclusive of all leaners was paramount at it formed part of their basic right, adding that SBB provided equality and access and also included students with disability for the first time.

She said in future, all regions would be included as learning of spelling had been a cause of concern and she appreciated efforts made by SBB. ENDS