In a bid to ensure that education at the grassroot is enhanced, an educationist, Comrade Emma Ikpeama is set organize the first ever spelling Bee competition for all primary schools in Imo State.
Briefing newsmen in Owerri, Comrade Ikpeama disclosed that the essence of the competition is to revive the reading and spelling culture among the youths especially those in the primary schools.
He went further to state that the rate of spelling of words in primary schools by pupils was at a low ebb considering the fact that reading culture has not been imbibed by both teachers and pupils. In his words “it is often said that if one does not know how to read, one certainly will not know how to spell, this is true since one cannot spell in isolation, constant reading makes for usage of the words’’ he stated.
The media aide to Hon. Greg Okemili, member representing Oru East constituency stated that the competition will inculcate in the pupils good and sound mastering of English words, divert the attention of the pupils from other non academic activities to a more concentrated academic exercise.
Comrade Ikpeama, who expressed joy on the free Education policy of His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, pleaded with the state government to provide education materials such as text books and other educational items as this will help the pupils to read extensively and become bright kids in future. He also urged the Ministry of Education and the state Universal Basic Education Board to include spelling as a curriculum in the scheme of work to enhance the pupils the more.
He also thanked his boss, Hon Okemili for giving him all the necessary support and encouragement he needed to carry on with the exercise.
Lending her voice, in support of the project, the organizing publicity secretary, Miss Rebecca Dikeocha, stated that the competition has gone beyond the local government stage whereby the winners from each of the 27 LGAs will come to the State on the 29th of March, 2013 and compete for the final, urging teachers and parents to embrace this gesture as fabulous prizes awaits the winners.
