By Wani Yusif
The South Sudan National Spelling Bee made its first appearance in the prestigious African Spelling Bee competition for the first time since the inception of the competition in 2016.
The 2023 competition of the African Spelling Bee was held in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, from the 6th to the 10th of December 2023.
South Sudan was represented by a five-member team from Juba Diplomatic and Alekma Academy schools with support from the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan.
The competition drew 48 spellers from 11 participating countries including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, South Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Lesotho, and Botswana.
Speaking after their return to Juba, one of the Spellers from the South Sudan team, Habiba Mui Jacob said the competition allowed her to learn from other participants across the African continent.
“I am full of joy and had an unforgettable pleasant experience during my participation at the African Spelling Bee 2023 in the name of my country, South Sudan.” Habiba said,
The head teacher of Alekma Academy, Gabriel Majok thanked the participants, organizers, and those who supported the process and encouraged them to do more and better in the next edition.
“All in all, things will certainly not be the same again after this experience,” Majok highlighted.
Meanwhile, the Program Manager of Excellence Foundation who is also the Project Lead for the South Sudan National Spelling Bee, Emmanuel Bida Thomas says even though South Sudan didn’t win on their first trial, the team and the participants have gained valuable experience that will shape them for the next Edition.
“South Sudan couldn’t scoop any awards, but as first-timers, the team gained valuable experience that will shape its participation at the 7th African Spelling Bee in Nigeria next year,” Thomas stated.
According to Bida, the Junior Category Winners for the competition are from South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe while the Senior Category Winners are from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.
According to the African Spelling Bee organizers, it is the first time South Sudanese teachers and spellers have made a debut in this continental competition.
The participating team returned to Juba on Monday, 11th December 2023 immediately after the competition concluded.
The Excellence Foundation for South Sudan said in a statement extended to this publication that it plans to maintain consistent participation in the African Spelling Bee and to expand the South Sudan Spelling Bee beyond Juba.
The African Spelling Bee 7th Edition is expected to take place in Nigeria next year.