Held at the Longman Memorial Methodist School in Brikama, the competition showcased the talent and academic knowledge and skills of students as they engaged in a stiff spelling competition, in which each would pick up a paper with a number on it which corresponds with a word the judges would call out from their list for the student to spell out correctly in 30 seconds.
The 44 students, who took part in the spelling exercise of a total of five rounds, made it difficult for the judges to get the champion.
Finally three students emerged successful for the 3rd, 2nd and 1st positions. Kebba Momodou Darboe of Longman Memorial Methodist School in Brikama made first position; Khadijatou Kah of Immaculate Heart of Mary LBS in Ghana Town came second, and Isatou Secka of Yakanu Lower Basic School third. All of them received substantial gifts of cash from the organisers and partners, while champion Kebba Momodou Darboe lifted the trophy.
TAKE-M conducted the Spelling BEE Competition in partnership with APS Wallet – a mobile money service provider, GNPC - Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation, and Unique Group.
Prior to the start of the exercise, last year’s winner of the Spelling Bee Competition, Ida Jarjue, gave an inspiring speech that boosted the morale of the participants. She encouraged them to develop the habit of reading books, be confident and believe that they are all winners. “Don’t be afraid to fail – because it is part of the process to success,” she said.
Retired Principal Education Officer Malang Kuyateh encouraged all that the exercise is a win-win situation. He quoted Chinua Achebe saying a child who cleans his hands properly could eat with elders. He also quoted Kwame Nkrumah as having said education is the bedrock of society and development.
APS Wallet representative Amadou Jallow appreciated the initiative, saying it is highly beneficial for school children. He also spoke of APS Wallet’s unique services, saying the company is operating in over 19 countries. He urged all to use their services, saying it makes life easy and simple for people in their financial transactions and savings.
GNPC’s corporate affairs officer Saidykhan Kebba commended TAKE-M for the initiative. He encouraged students to uphold the habit of reading and understanding the meanings and pronunciation of words properly, which helps them to grasp the correct spelling of words.
“This initiative challenges our students academically. It inspires them to explore, to research, and to discover new worlds of knowledge,” said TAKE-M’s Chief Executive Officer Tunde M.N. Ogundimu. In addition to its Spelling Bee competition, he says TAKE-M has been training, organising and conducting competitions for students in Mathematics, Science and English Language. He calls on parents, guardians and school authorities to encourage their students to be part of the exercise.
The judges were drawn from various disciplines and backgrounds including Madam Fatou Jallow of NATCOM-UNESCO, Amadu Jallow of APS Wallet, Kebba Saidykhan of GNPC, retired Education Officer Mr Kuyateh, and media representative Osman Kargbo.
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