In a bid to make learning more engaging and improve literacy among children, founder and program coordinator of the initiative, Mmueledi Diako is using spelling bee competitions to transform the academic experience across Botswana.
Through this initiative, children aged 13 and under are discovering that school can be both fun and rewarding.
Reflecting on a highlight, Diako shared that the success of their first-ever event, held on April 17th last year, where they crowned their first champion, remains one of the most memorable moments.
But it hasn’t been without challenges, he shared, “the biggest challenge we’ve faced is working with people or schools who don’t understand the importance of spelling bees and how they can help children perform better in class.”
Diako believes the competitions are making a real difference. “Many children today can’t read or write well. Spelling bees help change that by making learning exciting. They build confidence, public speaking skills, and language ability, which leads to better performance in school.”
Looking ahead, the goal is to host a national championship involving all 10 regions of Botswana, with winners standing to earn between P20,000 and P50,000. The calendar includes 12 scheduled events, culminating in a final Maun edition on November 30th. Diako encouraged individuals and organizations to support the initiative through partnerships, services, or sponsorships.
A concerned and supportive parent, Lorato Motsumi shared that spelling bee competitions are more than just word games—they sharpen a child’s memory, boost their vocabulary, and improve overall academic confidence. She believes that through preparing for such contests, children become more focused and disciplined in their studies.
“It encourages them to read more, understand the meaning and use of words, and even helps with their writing skills,” she said, adding that the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering challenging words can inspire students to aim higher in all areas of learning.
Gabriella Kentshitswe, a junior school student shared that she sees spelling bees as both educational and enjoyable, adding that they help improve writing skills, vocabulary, and overall comprehension.
She suggested adding themed rounds and team challenges to make them even more engaging for students.
Kentshitswe further highlighted that spelling bees can boost vocabulary, memory, and even build confidence in public speaking for students.
“When children compete in spelling bees, they learn to focus, to push themselves, and to be proud of their efforts. It prepares them for other academic challenges too,” she said.
