A wave of excitement swept through Khutsong Township’s Extension 4 on Saturday, 26 July, as children gathered for the first-ever Reading and Spelling Competition hosted by the Oasis Foundation.

The event took place at the Christian Assembly Church, where 70 children of various ages who attend Sunday school competed in four thrilling spelling rounds for a chance to win stationery packs. These prizes were generously sponsored by local businesses that partnered with the Oasis Foundation to bring the educational initiative to life.

In a meaningful shift from the norm, this competition also invited parents as spectators, making it the foundation’s first educational project to actively integrate parental involvement. According to Oasis Foundation representatives, the event was specially curated to encourage parents to support their children’s education, particularly during study sessions at home.

“The competition was inspired by our mission to foster a love of reading and literacy in children,” said an Oasis representative. “It’s part of our broader commitment to projects that include parental support, neurodiversity awareness, and the adoption of childcare centres.”

The successful competition marks a significant step in building stronger bridges between families, schools, and communities in Khutsong—while also reminding everyone of the power of reading.