Sierra Leone Spelling Bee

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Wow!

The Bee announced today that only words with 12 letters will be permitted at this year's competition. That means spellers can focus on words like quinquennium, abnegatingly, and henhousingly and avoid those pesky small ones.
🐝
Just kidding. April Fool's.

*_Sometimes, the battles that matter most are the ones no one else can see, the storms you face behind steady smiles and long days. Yet you keep showing up, choosing hope even when the weight feels heavy. Real strength doesn’t always shout; often, it whispers, “try again today.” Remember, relief will come, answers will unfold, and this chapter is not your whole story. Rest when you need to, breathe deeply, and move at your own pace. There is no reward for pretending it is easy, only courage, truth, and the quiet wins that are rebuilding you. You are doing better than you know. You are not alone._*

*_~ Ranger‼️_*

*~GOOD MORNING!~*

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

African Spelling Bee Celebrates Unity and Excellence at 8th Continental Championship

The African Spelling Bee (ASB) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its 8th continental championship, recently held in Harare, Zimbabwe. The event brought together young spellers, educators, and leaders from across Africa in a powerful celebration of literacy, unity, and shared purpose.

While the competition showcased exceptional spelling talent from participating countries, the true significance of the African Spelling Bee lies beyond rankings and titles. At its heart, the ASB is a platform for bringing together young Africans from diverse cultures and backgrounds, fostering friendships, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the continent’s future.

Over the course of the week, participants engaged not only in high-level competition, but also in cultural exchange, team-building activities, and shared experiences that reflect the richness and diversity of Africa. The event culminated in a vibrant African Celebration evening, where participants connected through music, dance, and storytelling—embodying the spirit of unity that defines the ASB.

In his address at the Finals, ASB President, Mr Lewis Chisale, reflected on the deeper purpose of the initiative:

“The African Spelling Bee is about far more than spelling words correctly; it is about celebrating the beauty of language, building a culture of reading across the continent, and showing young Africans that knowledge, dedication, and perseverance can open doors.”

Since its inception in 2016, the African Spelling Bee has grown from a small group of participating countries into a continent-wide movement, committed to improving literacy outcomes while building bridges across nations.

The ASB extends its sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Zimbabwe, as well as the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee, for their outstanding hospitality and for delivering a truly memorable and impactful event.

Looking ahead, the African Spelling Bee continues its journey across the continent, with the next championships scheduled as follows:
Zambia (2027), Rwanda (2028), and Ethiopia (2029).

For more information, please contact:
[email protected]

Ends

Photo: African Spelling Bee Teams visit the Liberation Museum in Harare.

14-Year-Old Ekiti Student Crowned 2026 African Spelling Bee Champion [Junior Category]

In a historic achievement, 14-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe from Ekiti has been crowned the champion of the 2026 African Spelling Bee junior category held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Damilola a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, outclassed competitors from over twenty African nations to secure her place as an African Champion

The talented speller began her journey by winning first place in Ekiti State, followed by a second-place finish at the national level in Port Harcourt, ultimately leading to her crowning as the champion in the junior category of the competition.

Damilola faced tough competition from bright young spellers from countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi, among others, to eventually emerged as the champion of the prestigious event.

As a reward for her outstanding and exceptional performance, Damilola also received an educational scholarship of five thousand dollars along with an award plaque.

Before this remarkable achievement, she had already garnered several academic accolades, including second place in the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee, second place in the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, fifth place in the 2025 Africa Spelling Bee, and second place in the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee.

It’s worth noting that Damilola was coached by a renowned and award-winning tutor Mr. Gbenga Julius, who has also been recognized for mentoring another 14-year-old speller from Ekiti who was recently crowned the overall champion at the Nigeria MTN Mpluse Spelling Bee competition.

Prior to this laudable feat, Damilola is set to represent Africa at the World Spelling Bee in China later this year.

As news of her victory spreads, there are increasing calls for both the Ekiti State and Federal Government to formally acknowledge her exceptional achievement.

Her coach has also urged the government to recognize this accomplishment as not just a personal victory for Damilola, but as a moment of national pride that highlights the potential of Ekiti and Nigeria in international educational arenas.

Observers also believe Damilola’s success sends a strong message about the capabilities of Nigerian students when provided with adequate educational resources and support, serving as an inspiration for countless young learners across the nation.