The Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers (BBDE) is allowing young local spellers to take their love for words beyond the classroom when they compete against some of the region’s brightest young minds at the SADC Spelling Bee competition.
The organisation will take a team of young spellers to BBKS Academy in Burgersfort, Limpopo, from September 23 to 26, where participants from Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa will battle it out in the regional competition.
Founder Thabang Dichaba said the organisation was excited to once again expose young people to an international platform after its team made its mark at the 2022 Lesotho International Spelling Bee.
“This is more than just a spelling competition. It is about giving young people an opportunity to learn, grow in confidence and represent their country on a regional stage,” said Dichaba.
Dichaba said they are aiming to travel with 22 spellers, the same number they took to Lesotho in 2022, but currently have only 13 spaces available for interested participants.
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“We are looking for passionate young spellers who are willing to challenge themselves. You don’t have to see this simply as a competition. It is an educational and cultural experience that can stay with a young person for many years,” he said.
The registration fee is R1 300 per speller, which covers transportation and two Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers T-shirts. The organisation will cover accommodation, meals, snacks and support for the participants during the competition.
Dichaba said the initiative was about using education and literacy to open doors for young people.
“We want our children to understand that opportunities like this can change the way they see themselves and the world around them. They get to meet other young people, experience different cultures and develop skills that will benefit them far beyond the competition,” he said.
Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers is also appealing to businesses, organisations and members of the community to support the initiative through donations and sponsorships.
Interested parties can contact Dichaba on WhatsApp at 061 635 2833 or 073 393 2535. Calls can be made to 061 635 2833 or 063 468 0872, while enquiries can also be emailed to bachabadichaba@gmail.com
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