Staff Writer
Juba, October 25, 2023 – In a thrilling display of talent and knowledge, Juba Parents School emerged as the Juba Primary Schools Mini Competition 2023 champion. The competition, now in its second edition, featured four categories: Spelling Bee, Speed Challenge Quiz, Speech, and Academic Debate.
From September 18th to October 18th, fourteen schools in total participated in the event, including CMS Primary (Hai Mission), Juba ‘1’ Girls (Hai Cinema), Bishop Mazzoldi Memorial (Buluk), Saint Francis (Thongping), Juba Parents (Nyakuron West), Friendship Academy (Nyakuron West), Glorious Baptist Academy (Jondoru), Liech Primary (Checkpoint), Saint Paul Primary (Hai Referendum), Juba Diplomatic (Hai Referendum), Saint Philip (Hai Mauna), Real Hope (Gudele Block 4), Diplomatic Primary (Nyakuron West), and Alekma Academy (Sherikhat). The Excellence Foundation for South Sudan, a national non-profit organisation, organised the competition through its South Sudan National Spelling Bee project.
The competition began with two preliminary rounds, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand finale. All participants, including students and teachers, were allowed to showcase their talents, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience.
The ultimate face-off took place at the Grand Finale held at Saint Mary’s College on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The event was attended by over 200 pupils, teachers, and distinguished guests.
John Sebit, Director of Education at Juba City Council, graced the occasion as the chief guest and commended the schools for their enthusiastic participation. Sebit encouraged all head teachers to allocate a budget for similar activities in their annual plans. He emphasised the council’s commitment to working with organisations like the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan to ensure quality education for Juba’s children.
Expressing his delight, Sebit said, “I am happy to see young minds confidently speaking their minds in front of the audience. These are the next parliamentarians, and it gives me joy to see them do what they do best.”
James Lubang Scopas, Executive Director of the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan, stressed the importance of advocating for child education in the country. He highlighted the organisation’s aim to provide a platform for school pupils to showcase their talents and inspire fellow students.
“I believe that education is the strongest backbone upon which the best professional preparation can be built,” James stated. “It prepares pupils for whatever profession they choose because it expands their intellectual capacity, increasing their agility and broadening their horizons.”
In a display of sportsmanship, Irra Patrick, the team coach for Juba Diplomatic Primary School, extended his congratulations to Juba Parents for their victory. He reflected on the inspiring journey and proposed the establishment of school alliances and participation in exchange programs to enhance cooperation and resource sharing among schools further.
The head teacher of Juba Parents School, Kisitu Christian, reciprocated the camaraderie and congratulated the Juba Diplomatic School for their remarkable performance. Christian expressed gratitude for the challenging yet friendly competition and hoped to nurture the friendship for future endeavours.
The Juba Primary Schools Mini Competition is an annual event that brings together a select number of schools, not exceeding 24, to engage in spelling bees, speed challenge quizzes, speeches, and academic debates. It allows pupils and teachers to network, exchange best practices, and foster educational growth and unity in the capital, Juba, of the world’s youngest country, South Sudan.
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