The Malawi National Spelling Bee is set to conclude this month with organizers now turning attention towards preparations for an international spelling competition in China following Malawi’s recent success at the African Spelling Bee in Zimbabwe.
Director of Operations and Special Events for the Malawi National Spelling Bee, Andrew Chiko, said district-level competitions are currently being concluded across the country ahead of the regional and national finals.
“As I am speaking, the team is in Mzimba concluding the district level competitions. This weekend we will be at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe for the Central Region finals, while the following weekend we will be in Mzuzu for the Northern Region finals,” said Chiko.
He said the national finals are scheduled for May 30 as organizers race to complete this year’s competition calendar.
Chiko disclosed that Malawi has also received an invitation to participate in an international spelling bee competition in China, with preparations already underway.
“We are preparing and trying to reach out to sponsors because going to China is not something that can be done in a day. What remains now is getting responses from different stakeholders,” he said.
According to Chiko, the national finals will also help organizers identify contestants who could represent Malawi at the competition in China.
“We want to see how learners will perform on May 30 and immediately after that we will start the processes for going to China,” he added.
Meanwhile, Old Mutual Malawi has supported this year’s competition after organisers experienced financial challenges that delayed activities in some districts.
Strategy, Digital and Data Executive for Old Mutual Malawi, Lorraine Mlenga, said the company decided to continue supporting the initiative after witnessing the impact the competition is having on young learners.
“The National Spelling Bee encourages young learners to build confidence, courage, and critical thinking skills, which we believe are important for developing future leaders who can position Malawi strategically on the regional and global map,” said Mlenga.
