The literacy programme is focused at helping children in Lower Basic schools to achieve competency at Grade Four (4), improve their reading and spelling levels. It also aims at improving matric pass rates, build public speaking and help learners to be better prepared for tertiary education and later employment.
The talent contest attracted participants from dozens of Lower Basic schools. The keenly contested competition was graced by parents, educationists, students and a cross section of the community.
The spelling bee is a nationwide contest for brilliant and courageous children from various Lower Basic Schools in the country.
It is designed to enable pupils from all backgrounds to read texts in all areas of their school curriculum, with full comprehension.
The competition also helps children to be familiar and conversant with words and know the correct spellings of these words as they gradually grow.
Malang Kuyateh, public relations officer at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), emphasised the importance of the spelling bee competition and how it is beneficial to the education system of the country. He said according to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, "a nation without education, is doomed forever."
He noted that as a country, we must ensure that children are able to read and write as they are the future leaders of The Gambia.
Kaddijatou Danso, a representative of Yonna Forex Bureau commended organisers for their unwavering commitment, dedication and hard work towards nurturing the pupils.
She emphasised the need to support children in their academic journey.
She also encouraged the pupils to continue reading as well as move out of their comfort zone and go the extra mile to be better people in the future.
Muhammad Jawara, deputy managing director for the Gambia National Petroleum Company (GNPC), said “we have a corporate social responsibility as a business and it is in that light that we decided to support these young students who are very talented.”
Mr Jawara expressed their readiness to continue supporting the initiative that is empowering custodians of the future of the country.
Tunde Muyi Ogundimu, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of TAKE-M Transformative Organisation said reaching the 10th edition was not easy but gave thanks to Allah for making it possible.
"These kids are national assets and future leaders of the country,” he stated while calling on all and sundry to stand their grounds to support the kids.
"We are on ground to help the government in achieving its national development plans," he added.
He acknowledged GNPC, Unique Group, Yonna Forex Bureau and other partners for their support.
Mr. Tunde also thanked the late O.J. Jallow, Malick Jones and others who had been supporting the program.
Salimatou Jallow, a pupil from Maarif International School emerged as the winner of the competition and received a giant trophy and a cash price of D10,000.
Muhammed A. Darboe, a pupil of First Foundation Academy came out second. He went home with D7,500. Amie Ngabou of Brikama Lower Basic School won the third-place prize and received D5000. Fourth to sixth places each received D2,500.
