World Vision hails spelling contest

In a bid to promote a reading culture among learners, World Vision Malawi on Wednesday conducted a literacy fair where 21 primary schools from Nkhoma, Chowo and Mtenthera education zones in Lilongwe contested in a Spelling Bee Competition.

Speaking during the event, World Vision Malawi Lilongwe district programmes manager Harold Munthali said the initiative seeks to complement government’s efforts in increasing literacy levels in the country.

“Different studies, including the one done done by Unesco, shows that in Malawi, 65 percent of adults can read and write,” he said.

Munthali said the organisation is training teachers on how to handle learners to quickly acquire literary and numerical skills.

He said: “We have also established reading camps targeting 8 300 children in the area.

“Learners practise how to read and write after knocking off from classes.”

Nathenje Zone Primary School adviser Lades Kum’bweza commended World Vision Malawi for the initiative, saying it has improved the performance of learners in the zone.

He said Standard One pupils were able to read syllables and identify letters.

“The programme is also shaping the children into good public speakers,” said Kum’bweza.

As a way of promoting competitiveness, the organisation pledged K2 million to a school that will register the  highest pass rate in this year’s Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education examinations.

National Spelling Bee is an educational fun activity in which children from public and private schools compete in spelling out words used in English Language in a bid to improve the reading culture, vocabulary, writing skills and proper word pronunciation.

The programme is supported by Ministry of Education, World Vision Malawi, Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Victoria Forex Bureau Limited.