The Athlone News and Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS), a non-profit organisation, are holding a spelling bee and newspaper quiz for Grade 7 pupils.

Teachers from 18 primary schools gathered for the launch of the competition, at the Athlone Stadium conference hall, last Thursday.

Schools from Bonteheuwel, Hanover Park, Mitchell’s Plain, Fairways and Wynberg have already registered for the competition.

The Reading and Writing Solutions Athlone News Spelling Bee and Newspaper Quiz will be held on International Literacy Day, Thursday September 8, at the Dulcie September Civic Centre, in Athlone.

Every school is allowed to enter two teams of four girls and four boys in each team. They will be tested on the content of three editions of the Athlone News - from today (August 17) to Wednesday August 31.

Cash prizes, gifts and individual awards are up for grabs by participating schools and pupils from the winning teams.

The competition’s other sponsors and supporters are Cambridge University Press; Manichand Beharilal from MBLS Publishing; Bargain Books; J&S Sushi in Parow East; Pro Shades; the City of Cape Town’s Public Participation Unit; Ward 48 councillor Dr Zahid Badroodien; The Hope, Faith and Love Foundation; and Ajouhaar Butchery in Gleemoor.

“We would welcome any other company or business, corporates and individuals to join us on this exciting literacy-development project, which offers huge benefits for both sponsors and participants,” said quiz convener and RWS founder Jeff Paulse.

“I am thrilled that we are able to resume this valuable and rewarding literacy competition whereby our organisation endeavours to develop and grow the language capability of our Grade 7 learners. Huge thanks to the Athlone News for renewing the partnership forged since our first quiz in 2014. Together we achieve more in the interest of literacy development using the element of competition to inspire our learners to greater achievements.”

Parents of all participating pupils are invited to attend on quiz day, where they stand to win various spot prizes.

Interested schools, individuals, and businesses can contact Mr Paulse at 082 216 2460 or email paulsejeff@gmail.com

Quiz convenor and Reading and Writing Solutions founder Jeff Paulse explains the competition rules to representatives of the participating schools.