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MBDA hypes youth up to better learning

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MBDA hypes youth up to better learning:

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C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N: The winning teams celebrate their victory at a spelling bee competition held in Havelock Street, Central in Port Elizabeth.

Port Elizabeth, 19 October 2016 – The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) joined the St Johns Methodist Church in Central on the church’s mission to help learners improve their reading and writing by hosting spelling bee competitions in the metro.

The first of these Spelling Bee competitions was held this weekend and was open to Grades 3-6 learners from various schools in the Bay.  Teams of four were divided into two groups and had to spell words in Xhosa and English.

“Education is a key focus area for the St Johns Methodist Church. Through this initiative we hope to address the crisis in learners struggling to read and write from an early age,” said Asanda Mlata, event organizer for the spelling bee.

“The church aims to contribute positively towards changing people’s lives and we wish to have more of these spelling bee competitions every trimester from 2017,” she added.

The MBDA also supports various educational activities and community education projects in its mandate areas. Central being the heart of the City is also transforming into a multi-cultural melting pot of the Bay.

“We are passionate about youth development and want to inspire young learners to realize that they can overcome their challenging circumstances through education, that they can be the leaders of tomorrow,” said Luvuyo Bangazi, MBDA marketing and communications manager.

“Other that developing social skills, the other benefits the learners walked away with included an enhanced vocabulary, improved grammar, greater knowledge, and improved cognitive skills and confidence,” Bangazi said.

The judging panel consisted of Anna-Marie Burger, a teacher at Walmer Lower Primary, Bulelwa Mgijima-Dlali who is lecturer at Dower College and is a Language specialist and Khanyisa Ntanda of Livingstone Hospital.

The competition’s master of ceremonies (MC) Bongiwe Robin congratulated the learners and said both judges were passionate about education.

“Burger, is passionate about teaching children from previously disadvantage communities and she plans to dedicate more time giving classes to learners when she retires, and Ntanda participates in a reading programme for kids at the hospital.

“Mgijima-Dlali is a language specialist who is a literacy and community development activist who has been helping children with reading problems since January 2012. Robin is also teaches Grade R part-time at Ilitha Day Care Centre in Walmer Township and is currently studying towards a Level 5 National Diploma in Early Childhood Development,” said Robin.

“Events like these will improve children’s reading and also help them build self-confidence,” Robin believes.

Sikhanyisile Mtya, Grade 3 learner, Victoria Park Primary School said; ““I took part in the spelling bee to see how good I can be. It was fun! I like trying new things. I learned to never be scared and it’s not about winning. Everyone is a winner!”

Siyabonga Naki, Grade 5 learner, Lorraine Primary School said; “I was nervous at first and it got easier as I went on. It was my first spelling bee competition and it was really fun. I learnt a lot of new words. I’m ready for the next one!”

Khanyisa Ntanda, Judge commented; “I am ecstatic. I think I had more fun than the kids. I was nervous but soon relaxed. I am really happy this initiative was started because our children can’t spell because of social media slang. I say this as a mother and a judge. This competition will help the kids improve their grammar.”

Sana Mpange, Parent said; “I am very impressed. What a well organized event! I was amazed at the level of stature of this competition. I have posted proudly on all my social media networks how this has blown me away. It boosts children and equips them with better vocabulary skills and helps them think on their feet. I am blown away!”

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Source: Port Elizabeth – MyPR.

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