The Young Educators Foundation last week celebrated the 10th anniversary of “The Spelling Bee” competition at a short ceremony held in Accra.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Cultural and Creative Art; Dzifa Gomashie, former Minister for Education; Joyce Aryee, the Second lady; Mrs. Martha Amissah Arthur and the US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson.
Speaking at the function, Country Director of Young Educators Foundation, Eugenia Tachie-Menson said her outfit was ready for the years ahead.
According to her, although their latest contestant and representative for Ghana at the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee held in the United States of America, Afua Ansah Manukure made Ghana proud, the foundation was ready to start the search for new talents to represent Ghana and Africa.
“We are hoping we get better performances to hopefully improve on Afua’s performance at the Scripps Spelling Bee. We are hoping for more children participation, more support from the media and corporate Ghana. Right now, it’s all about the regional competition starting late September through to October. The regions are Greater Accra, Volta Region, Eastern Region, Northern Region and Brong Ahafo. After the regional all the winners will converge for the national competition next year.”
The Country Director for the Foundation also expressed gratitude for the support received from sponsors and some benevolent donors.
She also encouraged corporate bodies and individuals to come on board.
“We are grateful for the support from Indomie and Ecobank, the journey has not been easy. People always see the end and say it’s a success but there is a journey and we are grateful for all the support through that journey.”
In a separate interview with Citi News, 14-year old Junior High School student Afua Ansah Manukuresaid although she would have appreciated another opportunity at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, she would not be able to participate due to other priorities.
“I won’t be able to make a comeback next year because of my pending exams, the BECE. That has led to a switch in my priorities for the main time. It will be a challenge to combine the BECE with the spelling bee. Our curricula demand so much”.
She however encouraged her colleagues to stay focus and determined.
“My advice to the new ‘scholar-brities’ is that they should go on and raise the flag higher and they should redefine the standards now”.
Afua Ansah Manukure beat competition from over 200 others across the globe to place 20th in the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition and was also the only representative from Africa.
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By: Felicia Osei/citifmonline.com/Ghana