This year's Reading and Writing Solutions Newspaper Quiz and Spelling Bee launched in Athlone
Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS) founder and quiz convenor, retired Athlone school principal Jeff Paulse, explains the rules of the competition.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS) provided teachers with books of their choice.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Local councillor Rashied Adams lauds the work of the Reading and Writing (RWS) quiz competition and urges teachers to work together for the development of the children.
Image: Phiri Cawe
A group photo of teachers representing more than 30 schools whose pupils are expected to attend this year’s Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS) newspaper quiz and spelling bee in partnership with Athlone News.
Image: Phiri Cawe
The stage is set for this year's Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS) Newspaper Quiz and Spelling Bee, launched on Tuesday, August 5, with teachers representing more than 25 schools in attendance.
The annual literacy competition encourages reading, writing, and vocabulary development among pupils from communities across the Cape Flats.
This year’s event, in partnership with Athlone News, will be held at the Dulcie September Civic Centre in Athlone on Thursday, September 11, at 4.30pm. Schools participating in the event will compete for the first prize, for which the value will be announced closer to the time.
The competition, initiated by retired school principal Jeff Paulse, has grown from a simple idea to a meaningful community initiative that brings together teachers, pupils, and families.
Schools from areas such as Ocean View and Belville have taken part over the years. So far, 28 schools have signed up, with more expected to join in the coming weeks.
Each school will send a team of 10 Grade 7 pupils, made up of five girls and five boys. Participants will use various editions of Athlone News to help prepare for the competition.
At the launch, Mr Paulse, who began reading at the age of five, reminded schools of the importance of honesty and preparation.
“I have seen people trying to cheat. Some may attempt to write answers on their arms or use the restroom as an excuse. If a school is caught cheating, we will expel them from the competition. We cannot reward dishonesty,” he said.
Local councillor Rashied Adams commended the work being done by RWS. He encouraged teachers to prioritise their pupils’ development over competition results.
“Children are a priority. We must remember that teaching is a calling. Some children come from broken families, and we must work together for their betterment,” he said.
Schools that are interested in joining are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information, contact Mr Paulse at 082 216 2460 or email paulsejeff@gmail.com