Namibia launches regional spelling bee to strengthen literacy

Namibia continues to face significant challenges in foundational literacy and numeracy. Findings from the 2024 National End-of-Phase Grade 3 Assessment reveal that only 32% of learners met the minimum numeracy benchmarks, while just 28% achieved the expected literacy standards.In response, the Directorate of Professional Development: Advisory within the education ministry launched the regional Spelling Bee to strengthen the Junior Primary Phase.The competition aims to improve learners’ reading, writing, and vocabulary skills.“Spelling bees train learners to focus for extended periods and pay attention to detail, which helps them learn how to read, write and understand new words,” said one of the organisers, Anna Hihepa.Participants were selected through several stages, beginning at class level, followed by school, cluster and finally the regional competition. Schools included Windhoek Central Primary School and Suiderhof Primary School, among others. Each contestant in Grades 1 to 3 had to win first place three times before qualifying for the regional level, demonstrating both consistency and determination.Windhoek Central Primary School achieved the most wins, with learners from Grades 1 to 3 each securing first place.WinnersThe Khomas Regional Spelling Bee winners:Grade 1: Mathew Akwaake – 1st (Windhoek Central Primary), Eileen Chabata – 2nd (Zanele Mbeki), and Serghino Kelo – 3rd (Elim).Grade 2: Zach Kananelo – 1st (Windhoek Central Primary), Nomsa Sikopo – 2nd (Sunshine Private School), and Tracy Kakona – 3rd (Zanele Mbeki)Grade 3: Kaarina Shigwedha – 1st (Windhoek Central PS, De Bono), Jaylyn Indongo – 2nd (Orban Primary School), and Rauha David – 3rd (Moses //Garoeb)“Regional assessments show major challenges in reading and literacy, so this programme will assist learners to perform better,” said Helena Mojao, principal of host school St. Andrews. “I encourage all regions to adopt similar programmes to enhance primary literacy,” she added.Despite the event’s success, Hihepa noted challenges in securing sponsors. “Most of the time we don’t get sponsors, and the ministry doesn’t provide enough funding. The vouchers learners receive are modest for a regional competition. We hope for more support from companies in the future,” she said.Senior education officer Salmi Thomas highlighted the importance of improving literacy through engaging, competitive strategies. “The ministry recognises the need to enhance literacy skills through fun approaches such as the Spelling Bee. Its aim is to promote academic performance in reading, writing, listening, and speaking,” she said.Thomas also emphasised that the Spelling Bee is a global tradition promoting literacy, and Namibia continues to uphold it annually. In the future, the goal is to host a national competition featuring the top spellers from all regions.

Namibia launches regional spelling bee to strengthen literacy

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-03

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Namibia launches regional spelling bee to strengthen literacy

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-03

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