Grade 6 pupils showcase their skills in Edu-Read Academy competition
Founder of the Edu Read academy, Roland Abrahams, addresses the pupils.
Image: Phiri Cawe
There were some tense moments during the spelling bee and quiz.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Thornton Road Primary School's two teams came second and third respectively.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Athlone North Primary are the winners of the Edu Read quiz and spelling bee competition held in Kewtown on Tuesday.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Fifty Grade 6 pupils from Athlone, Bokmakierie, Manenberg, and Hazendal tested their skills in science, maths, life skills, sport, and general knowledge during the Edu-Read Academy competitions held at the Athlone Calvinist Church memorial hall on Tuesday, September 30.
The event saw teams from four schools – each entering two or three groups of five pupils – tackle a series of creative and challenging activities designed to promote education and critical thinking.
Hosted by the Edu-Read non-profit, four primary schools from Athlone and its surroundings showcased their talents.
The organisation's founder, Roland Abrahams, stated that the aim is to promote pupil enthusiasm for education. He urged parents to support their children in their quest for a better education.
“The aim of the exercise is to encourage children to read. They must read, read, and read; they won’t be disappointed. My wish is to see them lead and not just lead but become good leaders,” he said.
Mr Abrahams also urged young people to research if they want to gain more knowledge, emphasising the importance of listening to their teachers.
Pupils had to prove their intellect by digging deep into their knowledge. Athlone North Primary School impressed, winning the top prize, followed by the Thornton Road teams, which took second and third places. Besides trophies, pupils received medals and certificates for their efforts.
Athlone North principal Bassier Noordien congratulated all the schools that participated in the competition and the organisers.
Mr Noordien said that the spelling bee helped pupils expand their vocabulary. He credited both the pupils and the educators at his school for their success.
“I am extremely happy with the results. The last time we came third, this year we won. I am extremely happy with the win this time around,” he said.
Mr Abrahams expressed his satisfaction with the growth of the event and appealed to schools to participate, as it enables children to communicate at all levels and use a wide range of vocabulary.
He is looking forward to next year, as schools are now aware of his aims.
“I am planting the seed for pupils to love reading,” he said.