2023 National Spelling Bee begins
After successfully hosting the Africa Spelling Bee which attracted 10 countries last year, Malawi National Spelling Bee has started its 2023 contest.
The first event, which targeted girls, took place at Mandrade Primary School in Chikwawa on Monday with support from Art and Global Health Centre Africa through Rise Youth Organisation Malawi (Ayo).
Malawi National Spelling Bee founder-cum-African Spelling Bee Chairperson Lewis Mbaula said Wednesday they were excited to have kicked off the 2023 edition and that they were looking forward to more participation from schools in an effort to uplift reading and writing culture in the country.
“Ayo established a girls listening club at the school, where learners discuss ways of ending violence against girls to promote their education. This all-girls spelling bee contest is aimed at complementing the efforts by Art Global Health Centre Africa through Ayo in strengthening and supporting the girl child to challenge patriarchal systems that oppress women and girls,” Mbaula said.
He said they also unveiled its 2023 chief pronouncer in television and radio presenter and event manager Chisomo Nyirenda.
“Chikwawa is among the four districts where the girls’ project is being implemented with support from the UN Trust Fund to end violence against women,” Mbaula said.
Chinguluwe World Vision programme was the second to host this year’s spelling bee and, for the first time since Malawi National Spelling Bee was launched in 2012, Kasungu and Mponela in Dowa will host their contests this coming weekend.
Meanwhile, in an effort aimed at supporting education in the country, Victoria Forex Bureau Limited has pledged to provide K6 million towards this year’s spelling bee.
This year’s top six spellers will have a chance to represent Malawi at the 2023 Africa Spelling Bee in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
