Kiang West holds LBS spelling bee contest

The event was designed to create a platform for the pupils in lower basic schools to showcase their skills and potentials using the power of words. It was also meant to stimulate positive reading and spelling culture at the elementary stages.

Contestants from Tankular, Joli, Kuyang, Karantaba and Gissay impressed educational authorities in Lower River Region and communities in the western Kiang with their skills in calculation of syllables and pronunciation of words from the English dictionary.

Adama Njie, a pupil from Tankular Lower Basic School emerged as the champion in the 2021 edition of the spelling bee. 

Lamin Gibba, a pupil of Gissay Lower Basic School was hailed as the first runner-up while Elman Manneh from Tankular received the award as second runner up.

Winners of the competition went home with cash prizes, stationeries and school bags meant to motivate them to nurture their spirit of reading and spelling.

The district spelling bee was organised as build up to a national spelling competition slated for April 2021. It is expected to unearth the best six spellers from Kiang West.

Secretary of the Organising Kafo, Alhagie Ceesay expressed his committee’s commitment to the cause of education for children in rural areas. 

The initiative, he added, is a form of continuous education that would unreservedly lay a solid foundation for better future of the community.

“This is also to ensure that the vision is not only attained through quality and relevant education, but also by the creation of access for the youngest generation to participate in national events.” he said. 

Mr. Tunde, a veteran spelling bee coordinator for Lower Basic Schools, challenged parents, teachers and guardians to believe in their children and give them all their support in their educational career.

He also called on the education authorities to engage more stakeholders to boost extra-curricular activity in all parts of the country.

“This is a collective responsibility to look beyond the town and see what is happening and what could be done at the remote ends to add to the system.” he noted.

At the end of the event, participants were presented with certificates in recognition of their efforts.