West Rand learners turn out for Spelling Bee

Learners from around the West Rand participated in a spelling bee that saw eight schools go head to head but it was Kefilwe Masebe from Mphe-Thuto Primary School who came out as the winner of them all.

On August 4 Mphe-Thuto Primary, Maloney’s Eye Primary, Kwaggafontein Primary, Tarlton Intermediate School, Unity Primary, Matla Combined School, Munsieville Primary, and the West Rand Mine Primary School competed in a spelling bee and then on September 1, the learners will be taking part in a bully debate competition.

The bullying debate competition was launched in 2019.

Karina Swart, the director of LifeLine West Rand, explained that the competition was created as a result of a high percentage of bullying and high school dropouts as a result of bullying.

The main focus was placed on Grade Seven learners in previous years and the top three debaters were rewarded a school uniform voucher for first place, a scientific calculator and a dictionary that made up the second and third place prizes. All participants however also receive a certificate and dignitary pack.

This year however they are hosting the Grade Six and Seven learners. The Grade Six learners took part in the spelling bee while the Grade Sevens will be debating bullying.

Last year LifeLine partnered with Old Mutual and this year they had the support of Old Mutual, Standard Bank, Mogale City and Kutlwano for African Child. These competitions aim to boost the learners’ self-confidence, academic excellence, and public speaking skills.

This year 100 learners are participating, 60 learners for the debate and 40 for the spelling bee.