On Friday, 9 May 2025, we hosted the first instalment of our four-part Tshiamiso Astronauts Spelling Bee Competition at Chief Bambatha Primary School, and what a momentous occasion it was! The event brought together learners from Grades 4 to 7, families, educators, and partners for a day that celebrated more than just spelling — it celebrated confidence, growth, and community spirit.
What Our Community Said
Following the event, we invited attendees to share their reflections through a feedback survey. We’re humbled to report that every respondent rated their overall experience 5 out of 5.
“It was monumental!”
“Everything was on point – from the set-up to the coordination.”
“I loved seeing learners confidently spelling and explaining the meanings of their words.”
The feedback showed just how much this event resonated. Respondents celebrated the structure of the event, the professionalism of the volunteers, and the energy from learners who stepped up to the mic with courage.
What We Learned
While the positive feedback was overwhelming, our community also helped identify areas we can improve:
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Sound and Equipment: A few participants noted the need for better sound equipment (e.g., microphones and speakers) to ensure everyone can hear clearly.
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More Learning Activities: There’s a clear desire for expanded activities — like writing workshops and extended spelling challenges — to support holistic literacy growth.
Why This Event Matters
At its core, the spelling bee wasn’t just about spelling. It was about:
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Promoting literacy and vocabulary building.
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Boosting learners' confidence in public speaking and self-expression.
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Creating joyful learning spaces.
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Uniting our local community around the value of education.
As one attendee put it:
“This was more than just a competition — it was a fun way of learning new words and growing together.”
Looking Ahead
We’re already looking forward to the next leg of the competition in July, hosted at Evaton Primary School. With every event, we aim to raise the bar and ensure every child has the tools and support they need to thrive.
We are incredibly grateful to all our supporters — including Hungry Lion SA and Evaton Mall — and to the dedicated volunteers who made the event run seamlessly. And to the learners: thank you for showing us what it means to be bold, curious, and committed.
Want to support our next event? Consider donating or volunteering:
🔗 https://www.tshiamisoastronauts.org/support-our-cause-your-donation-matters
Let’s keep building a generation of confident, literate leaders — one word at a time.