Putting a positive ‘spell’ on Reiger Park
While many watched the movie Akeelah and the Bee, but soon forgot about it, Malony Kaiser from Reiger Park drew inspiration from it.
She organised her own Spelling Bee Competition in the community that she grew up in.
The competition kicked off at Reiger Park Secondary School, on Thursday, August 14.
“I watched the movie about three times, but I only jumped into action when I received divine encouragement to pursue this dream,” says Kaiser.
Kaiser says she has been planning the competition since July last year.
“I started obtaining words that are part of the children’s curriculum, and in February this year we had a launch where we explained to the parents and children how the competition would work.”
The first phase of the competition, consisted out of five rounds, and each child had to spell three words per round to make it to the finals, which will be held in November.
Grade 8’s, 9’s and 10’s were allowed to enter and Kaiser says almost 329 students participated.
“The idea behind this is not about the end prize, but about upliftment and making the kids try harder to excel, even in a simple skill as increasing your vocabulary prowess,” says Kaiser.
There was both an English and an Afrikaans category.
Grade 10 pupil Nicoleen Arendse entered the Afrikaans category.
“I want to build my vocabulary and I like spelling,” she says.
Rendani Mutau (13) in Grade 8 adds that he is a great speller.
“I feel like I can spell and I think I can win this competition,” he adds.
The sponsored prizes include an international trip for the winning student and their family.
“God steered everything from the beginning, even the finances, I was just a vessel for His service,” she points out.
Although Kaiser is saddened by the the negative publicity that Reiger Park has been receiving, she says God’s plan remains perfect.
“The Spelling Bee Competition is something positive and came at just the right time.” – @TumeloBoksburg
