A Good Old-fashioned Spelling Bee….
Careful, these words are tricky!
A good old-fashioned American spelling bee brought this session of English classes to a close. Ten Congolese and one American volunteer teachers have taught 120 young Congolese the ins-and-outs of English grammar and conversation. The students did extremely well with some very challenging words.
Regardless of their English study level, students were eager to show how much these months have helped them improve. Upon arrival at the competing venue, they formed two lines according to their levels and were ready to go. The ceremony soon turned into a true competition and lasted longer than expected as competitors demonstrated an amazing English word-spelling skill. The words became progressively more difficult, and still the spellers were not daunted. Two winners in the beginning line and two winners in the intermediate line were finally awarded their prizes after more than two hours of spelling pressure. Each winner was awarded a dictionary, bookbag, CD headset and a CD in English for keeping up their skills. Two women and two men won the prizes – it was a true competition!
The teachers were strictly volunteers and they were awarded Certificates of Appreciation, dictionaries, and books to say ‘thank you’ from the public diplomacy arm of the U.S. Embassy. The teachers were teachers in their own professional lives, teaching English at the local university, journalists, and Embassy staff members. In addition to the Certificate of Appreciation they were given materials that will help them improve their teaching skills and other fields of interest.
This program has not only endowed students with the language skills that will help them safely face future challenges but also enhanced their understanding of American culture and history through learned materials.