Every once in a while, you see a moment in education that reminds you why words matter. In the video below, the KZN Department of Education celebrates South Africa’s African Spelling Bee champions and acknowledges the leadership of ALI SA Fellow, Roger Dickinson (Class II Kilimanjaro), CEO of the South African Spelling Bee and founder of the African Spelling Bee. The clip highlights how schools, officials and partners are rallying behind young spellers whose hard work is putting South Africa and Africa on the global spelling stage.
Roger’s role is not in front of the microphone at this moment, but in the years of vision and persistence that helped build this platform for literacy and confidence. Through the African Spelling Bee, he has championed the idea that a simple competition can spark a culture of reading, stretch learners beyond their comfort zones and open doors that many never imagined possible.
Team South Africa’s victory at the African Spelling Bee is a clear sign of what this vision can achieve. In July, these young spellers will travel to China to compete at the World Spelling Bee Championships, carrying with them the hopes of their schools, provinces and country. It is a powerful reminder that investing in reading and spelling today can place African learners on some of the world’s biggest stages tomorrow.
Watch the video below to see how KZN celebrates these young champions and recognises the partnerships and leadership – including Roger Dickinson’s – that made this moment possible. Click here.
