The VOC Spelling Bee came to a close this week as the semi finalists and finalists went head to head in the finals during VOC’s Afternoon Cruise show this week. With confidence and ease, Grade 6 learner Tawfeeq Davids correctly spelt 5 out of 5 words leading to his undefeated win of the competition. After his opponent failed to be present to compete, the 11 year old from Timour Hall Primary, took on the challenge to answer all the questions on his own.

Semifinalists Mohammad Yusuf Soomra and Kauthar Ismail were also present. After the finals were complete the participants were encouraged to participate in a recreational exercise by identifying words in sentences and spelling them. Grade 3 learners mainly participated in this activity. Participants were randomly chosen to complete the spelling exercise.

“Our main aim with the exercise was for learners to have fun,” said VOCAfternoon Cruise presenter Ayesha Laatoe.

The competition, the first of its kind, was aimed towards enhancing the knowledge of children, says judge and librarian Nazreen Khan.

“We went first with Grade 3 learners as they made up the majority of the composition of participants,” says Khan.

Winners were given gift bags with books, Islamic Library memberships, movie tickets, t-shirts and a free dental visits by Dr Ilyaaz Parker.

“Our children need to develop various skills and our children need to be encouraged to enter Spelling Bee competition so they can enhance several benefits. Through these initiatives, kids are learning grammar, enhancing vocabulary, developing competitive skills, enhancing a greater knowledge, gaining cognitive skills and confidence as they are the future leaders,” says Khan.

The words presented to the participants in the competition were grade appropriate, using a list of words compiled by Khan, according to their school grade.

“Learners are encouraged to go to libraries to broaden their knowledge and due to the development of children we gave participants words that were age appropriate,” says Khan.

“Parents should continue telling their children how to spell regardless where they are.”

“I hope to continue the competition in the future to enhance children’s reading skills,” added Laatoe. VOC