The Market Theatre Foundation's Second Annual Spelling Bee

The Market Theatre Foundation’s Second Annual Spelling Bee to Empower Inner-City Learners with Essential Literacy Skills

On Saturday, 24 August 2024, the Market Theatre Foundation’s Windybrow Arts Centre, in collaboration with Camp I Am and Nando’s, will host its second annual Spelling Bee Competition for schools in inner-city Johannesburg. The Spelling Bee is a key feature of the Windybrow Arts Centre’s Literacy and Homework Support Programme, aimed at equipping local youth with essential reading and writing skills. It is designed to equip local youth with essential reading and writing skills. Again, the competition is aimed at fostering confidence and academic excellence among learners.

The Windybrow Arts Centre is a hub for connection and curiosity, dedicated to nurturing the talents and inquisitiveness of children and young adults. Through arts and literacy programmes rooted in best practice methodologies, the Centre inspires and empowers children and youth, driving positive social change in the community.

Gerard Bester, Head of the Windybrow Arts Centre, highlights the impact of The Spelling Bee in building new partnerships with schools and community-based organisations in the inner-city of Johannesburg.

Bester shared:

“This year, we’ve introduced teacher and facilitator training workshops in collaboration with Camp I Am, inspiring schools and organisations to not only participate in our Spelling Bee but also to host their own events. Additionally, we conducted a confidence-building workshop for all finalists, equipping them with the psychological skills to participate in the competition.”

Kai Crooks-Chissano, Executive Director of Camp I Am, mentored the Windybrow Arts Centre and other participating organisations while meticulously crafting a challenging word list from the Department of Basic Education’s CAPS curriculum. Collen Nxumalo, Branch Manager of Nando’s Benmore Gardens, continues to lend valuable support to the competition this year.

Crooks-Chissano said:

“A Spelling Bee is an excellent way to ignite a passion for spelling, serving as the gateway to reading and writing. Participating in the competition boosts learners’ confidence and competitive spirit, enhancing their self-esteem as they perform in front of an audience.”

The Market Theatre Foundation invites you to celebrate this vital literacy initiative and witness the excellence of some of our city’s top spellers.

Date: Saturday, 24 August 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Windybrow Arts Centre

Keep an eye on The Market Theatre’s website for more announcements as the Foundation continues to expand its programme and engage with audiences across South Africa and beyond.