Essence International School, in collaboration with the school's NGO, The Open Classroom, conducted the first-ever Spelling Bee at a Kaduna State public school. The event was held on July 2, 2007 at the Ungwar Rimi L.E.A. public primary school. The participants were students from Ungwar Rimi L.E.A. primary school, a public school which serves the poor and non-privileged in the society.

Essence International School has been involved with this school for many years. Our students have performed their required community service program there since 1991. We have donated furniture, school supplies and improved the infrastructure of the school over the years. We've also worked to improve the curriculum of the school as well as the teaching environment and the quality of teachers.

The Spelling Bee was initiated and organized as part of E.I.S.'s 25th anniversary outreach program. For 6 months, teachers and volunteers from Essence worked with the children of the Ungwar Rimi L.E.A. to prepare them for the Spelling Bee. The students at the L.E.A. received instruction in Spelling, Vocabulary and Reading at their required grade level.

The Spelling Bee competition was conducted according to grade levels, from Primary 2 to Primary 6, with 5-6 children participating at each level. The children performed exceptionally, considering that this was the first time they had been asked to spell words in public, in front of their parents and their peers. The Spelling Bee was an opportunity for them to enhance their listening, comprehension and learning skills. They also had to follow the basic Spelling Bee rule: say the word, then spell the word, then say the word again. This also reinforces pronunciation skills. When the students were unsure of the word's meaning, they were encouraged to ask the moderators for the word to be used in a sentence.

After every grade level competition, the best speller was given a special Spelling Bee medal and all the participants were given prizes. There were many tears of joy, especially from excited parents and friends. It was a great day for the kids and a very enriching experience for all who attended.

Several local dignitaries, community leaders, government officials and education supporters turned out to see the event. The First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, was our guest of honor. Alhaji Lawal Idris was our guest speaker. Members of the Essence International School Board of Trustees and P.T.A. were also in attendance. The First Lady was impressed by the enthusiasm and spelling skills of the students and called for Spelling Bee competitions to be conducted in every school in Kaduna State. She also committed to ensuring that teachers in the State were adequately compensated and that Education received the highest priority within the government.

Essence International School holds annual Spelling Bee Competitions for our students at our African Heritage Village. The occasions are fun-filled events and parents always come out to support their children. We hope that this educational program will spread to other schools and children. If you would like to find out more information or would like to offer your assistance to The Open Classroom's activities, please contact us at openclassroom@essenceschool.com or openclassroom2000@yahoo.com.

Our Guest Speaker, Alhaji Lawal Idris

First Lady of Kaduna State Hajiya (Mrs.) Amina Namadi Sambo giving a prize to a well-deserving student as EIS Spelling Bee moderators look on.

EIS Teacher Mrs. Emuewen moderating the Spelling Bee Event. She is also the 2006 EIS Teachers' Spelling Bee Winner.

The Spelling Bee contestants getting ready to spell!

More students from L.E.A. being challenged with words.

Essence teacher and L.E.A. volunteer Mr. Olusola and the Ungwar Rimi L.E.A. principal entertain the guests during the event.

The Primary 2 winner and his proud mother receive prizes from the First Lady, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo.

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