Kwa-Thema – Active Academy, an after-school programme dedicated towards equipping children educationally, held a reading and spelling competition on March 29.
The competition was held at New Jerusalem Church on Kotane Street in Kwa-Thema. Seventy-five learners from Grades One to 11 participated.
The programme was founded by Nthabiseng Mampa in 2020 after realising that Covid affected the school system.
“I realised that many parents were often at work at the time and some children had to stay with their grandparents.
Learners demonstrated their understanding. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“The Covid 19 situation affected learners and I did not want them to remain behind with their school work, which is why I started the programme,” she said.
It started with homework assistance, and later advanced to additional activities and work such as reading and spelling.
Mampe explained that reading and spelling competitions boost learners’ confidence and literacy.
“You cannot answer a question if you cannot read it, which is why we encourage reading and regular spelling.
Learners during the spelling competition. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“This also helps them learn new words. The learning is consistent from two angles, which are at school and in aftercare. This encourages ongoing learning,” she added.
Learners who performed well across all grades received gold medals and certificates for their hard work and dedication.
Mampe urged her ward councillor, Njabulo Mbonani, to kindly assist her in finding sponsors and to support their initiative. She cited that they are often in need but most of the time do not know where to seek help.
“We need food and refreshments when we host such events because we sit in one room for a long time.
“Local businesses around would be of great help if they contribute when we have initiatives,” she said.
Mampe thanked all the educators who constantly help her make the initiative a success. A parent, Ditshego Marokoane, came to support her child on the day.
She said her child had been attending the programme for the past two years and has since seen great results.
“My child has improved in each grade since attending here. The past rate is always level sevens. I do not regret registering my child with this programme as I have seen significant improvement and constant growth,” she said.
The parent thanked the programme founder for constantly ensuring that their children are well-equipped and constantly developing.
Learners received certificates and medals. Photo: Supplied
Results and scores across grades: Grade One:• Siyabonga Ndlovu (10/10)• Sihle Phekani (10/10)• Princess Kanaji (10/10)
Grade Two• Thabang Ratau (10/10)• Ntombikayise Dlamini (8/10)
Grade Three• Rethabile Tsamaye (10/10)• Mpilo Ndlovu (10/10)• Mpumelelo Masilela (10/10)• Angel Dladla (10/10)• Bophelo Matavela (10/10)• Sibusiso Mashile (10/10)• Melokuhle Ngwenya (10/10)
Grade Four• Nonhlanhla Pebane (10/10)• Mpilo Shabalala (10/10)• Lindokuhle Sambo (10/10)
Grade Five• Tshegofatso Nkosi (10/10)• Sibusiso Mabena (10/10)• Khotso Malika (10/10)
Grade Six• Kwanda Khashange (10/10)• Mohau Nkutha (9/10)• Dineo Gwenhamo (5/10)
Grade Seven• Karabo Matavela (5/5)• Bokamosa Ndlazi (4/5)• Thato Dladla (3/5)
Grade Eight:• Mandisa Sibanyoni (8/10)• Sinethemba Mabuza (6/10)
Grade Nine• Bongani Mkhwanazi (5/5)• Bonginkosi Mkhwanazi (5/5)• Rethabile Ratau (4/5)
Grade 11• Kgosiam Skosana (1/5)
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