A GROUP of young people from Oruuua in Ovitoto organised a spelling competition for pupils in the area as a way to promote and enhance their confidence, vocabulary and develop cognitive skills including the ability to handle pressure.

The group believes young people must be prepared for the real world where they can be required to stand in front of people and express themselves, hence the competition which is a way to get pupils used to standing in front of large groups of people and talking.

“Public speaking is fast becoming a vital human skill, which has the potential of either landing or denying individuals opportunities. It follows that such skills must be developed and shaped at an early stage,” said Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, one of the organisers.

He added that apart from building confidence, the event was designed to provide a platform where the youth can be great competitors cognitively with improved grammar. It also provides a forum to unite and involve the community differently and uniquely.

“It creates exposure for the pupils, gives them a sense of responsibility and an urge for inclusivity in educational events alongside sports or other social events,” said Ndorokaze.

Ndorokaze who is also a spokesperson of the Namibia Revenue Agency said he was impressed with the turnout of the youth and equally excited with the attendance of parents and guardians at the event.

“A great number of people of different age groups attended the event. The youth came in their numbers, with parents especially mothers providing the much-needed morale support,” he said.

The competition which was organised through the office of the Regional Councillor for the Omatako constituency, Israel Riukua Hukura, signifies the dedication of young Namibians from Oruuua who are now working and ploughing back into the communities they hail from.

“This was the second event of its kind, and it is not a once-off thing. We aim to have it annually to raise the competitors from competing at village to school, regional, interregional, national, and international level,” assured Ndorokaze. 

-psiririka@nepc.com.na