WHEN they left for Kampala, Uganda last week, their mission was to raise the Zimbabwe’s flag high at the African Spelling Bee competitions.
True to their promise, a team of six young Zimbabwean spellers showcased their spelling prowess and brought home two bronze medals from the junior and senior categories.
In the junior category, Claudia-Jean Madhombiro from Kyle Preparatory School in Masvingo was adjudged third to get the bronze medal after Uganda and South Africa were tied on pole position.
The second bronze medal was for Tashinga Chereni from Sharon School who claimed third position under the senior category in which Nigeria and Ethiopia came first and second respectively.
Zimbabwe’s National Spelling Bee co-ordinator Eneresi Chomsora, who accompanied the team told NewsDay Life & Style that the outstanding young minds did not just bring trophies home, but also made the nation proud on the international stage.
“The competitions were very tough, but they (the spellers) were very optimistic and they brought the trophies home. The competitions brought a lot of exposure to the nation as a whole as Zimbabwe was being recognised among other African countries,” Chomsora said.
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Among the Zimbabwean junior team was Ryan Tavonga Mundende and Humayra Miya all from Goldridge Primary School in Kwekwe. Kelly Elshaad Gutu from Springs of Grace College and Rumbidzai Patience Funani of Lomagundi College were among the senior team.
At the competitions, Zimbabwe competed against Nigeria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Lesotho, South Africa, Cote D’Ivoire, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and hosts Uganda.
Director of Zimbabwe Spelling Bee James Bayanai saluted the team for their showcase.
“I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Madhombiro and Chereni on their outstanding achievements at the Africa Spelling Bee Competitions. Your hard work, dedication and linguistic skills are truly commendable,” he said.
“Your remarkable success not only brings pride to your schools, but also shines a bright light on Zimbabwe’s spelling prowess internationally. Your achievements inspire us all and I look forward to witnessing your continued success on this remarkable journey of words.”
Bayanai also expressed gratitude to the Education ministry for their continued support.
