Anne Marie Javouhey retains TAKE-M spelling bee title

The 2021 national spelling bee was witnessed by senior government officials among them governor of West Coast Region Lamin Sanneh, Director Region 2 Lamin Fatajo, Essa Drammeh Deputy Governor 2 Central Bank of The Gambia, parents, students and teachers amid cheering their respective schools at the QCity conference hall.

The annual championship is organized by TAKE-M Transformation Organization, a non-profit charitable organization and banked rolled by Central Bank of The Gambia, Unique Solution and GTSC.

The spelling bee is aimed at promoting the importance of education in reading, comprehension, writing and spelling to support education of Gambian children. The day-long event brought together over 22 contestants across the country.

The Brikama-based school reclaimed the yearly crown for the second consecutive year.

Lamin Fatajo, Director Regional Educational Directorate Region One in his remarks expressed delight with the competition, noting that spelling usually takes place within classrooms and therefore organizing it at national level is commendable and something they are proud to be part of as educationists.

Alh. Lamin Sanneh, Governor West Coast Region said to develop a nation, a country must prepare its children and youth sector.

He recalled that the idea was conceived by Mr. Tunde in 2014 in his office, noting that the championship will help children in terms of spelling and public speaking.

Essa Drammeh, deputy governor 2 Central Bank of The Gambia thanked organizers for their dedication to education.

CEO TAKE-M Transformation Organisation, Tunde Muyi Ogundimu said the idea behind the competition is to help mould future leaders, noting that their tomorrow starts today and as such it is important to put them right on track.

He highlighted that as an organisation they would never relent in their efforts towards children’s development in the country.

Aminata Gaye of Anne Marie Javouhey Lower Basic School who emerged winner said she was delighted at becoming the winner of this year’s championship. She thanked her parents and teachers for their support. As winner, she went home with a giant trophy, cash and books.

Angle Okoye of Gateway Learning Academy placed second and said she felt sad for not winning the championship but however thanked her teachers for their support.