KANYAMAZANE – Tenteleni Primary School girls were awarded trophies and certificates after their splendid performance at the first-ever Phendulani Quiz held on Saturday.
They outshone the teams from three contesting primary schools – Lekazi, Likhweti and Tenteleni primary.
Phendulani Quiz is associated with the international Kids Lit Quiz. It was first hosted in South Africa in 2008 at schools around Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town.
“A team of six readers from grade five to seven is required to read selected texts from books chosen by Phendulani. They then had to answer questions on each of the books – with teams and individuals winning book prizes,” explains national quiz organiser, Marj Brown.
Brown said she was impressed with the Mpumalanga readers. “Even though it was their first time to participate, the teams performed well overall.
“As with elsewhere in the country, we will see their quiz scores steadily improve as the schools participate year after year, and the culture of reading grows.”
She emphasised that reading builds critical minds and enhances learning in all subjects.
“But most important of all, is the fun and enjoyment that reading adds to the life of every person – young and old. These young pupils are already discovering the joys and excitement of books,” Brown said.
Among the supporters at the event was Thembi Mashaba, media advisor at Ehlanzeni District’s Library and Information Services, who gave the pupils an encouraging message.
“Keep up the good work and spread the news about reading to all your friends and family,” she said. “A reading nation is a winning nation.”
Peggy Singwane, who initiated the event and invited the national quiz organiser to run this quiz, expressed her excitement for seeing the dream come to life.
“This is an exciting first step for Phendulani Quiz in our province.
The pupils were so excited and inspired to participate. This shows the need to expand the quiz all over the province, to encourage readers from across Mpumalanga,” she concluded.
