THE Rotary Club of Stabroek recently conducted a spelling bee competition at one of the Club’s, Literacy Project sites, Bagotville, on the West Demerara. Participants were drawn from Bagotsville, Nismes and La Grange.The competition targeted children aged 7 – 10, 11 – 14, and over 14. Prizes were awarded to first, second and third place winners in each category. The first to third place winners were, in the 7-10 category: Nkosi Jupiter, Ashell Lynch and Negasi Jupiter; in the 11 -14 category: Amelia Browne, Tracey Squires and Rebecca Paul; and in the over 14 category:  Ashana Browne, Kathyann Bellille and Ronette Rodney.
The competition was designed to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn concepts, and grasp adequate english usage that will benefit them in the future. The spelling bee is also instrumental in helping students spell quickly and accurately, helping students learn to compete and provide an environment to promote students’ self-esteem, character development and sportsmanship. The lessons learned by participating in a spelling bee can therefore last a lifetime.
The competition was conceptualized as part of the club’s continued commitment to improving the reading and writing abilities of students in their earliest years of learning and, to observe vocational service month in Rotary’s calendar.