By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone, through its philanthropic arm, the UBA Foundation, has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to education and youth empowerment by proudly supporting the 6th National Spelling Bee Grand Finale.
Organized by the Spelling Bee Foundation, the highly anticipated event brought together some of the brightest young minds from across the country.
A total of sixteen exceptional pupils participated in this year’s grand finale, held in a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. The contestants included five pupils from primary level, six from junior secondary, and five from senior secondary schools. They competed in a series of rigorous spelling rounds designed to challenge their vocabulary, critical thinking, and self-confidence.
UBA- Sierra Leone’s involvement in the event is a reflection of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on investing in initiatives that foster education and uplift communities. “We believe education is the foundation for national development,” said a UBA representative. “Through the UBA Foundation, we are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders by supporting educational programs like the Spelling Bee.”
The event also featured a keynote address by Madam Jestina Patricia Elsie Betts from the Orange Foundation, who underscored the vital role of corporate partnerships in strengthening educational initiatives.
She emphasized that when businesses invest in education, they contribute directly to building a more prosperous and knowledgeable society.
The spelling rounds were expertly conducted by Bee Masters Mr. Alex A. Bah and Mr. Mohamed Cassius Kamanda, who guided the young contestants through multiple challenging rounds. The competition was intense, but in the end, nine pupils emerged victorious, taking home top honors in their respective categories.
The first-place winners were:
Primary Division: Alliza Deen Mansaray
Junior Secondary Division: Alusine Bockarie
Senior Secondary Division: Joseph Bobson Sesay
These outstanding pupils were celebrated not only for their spelling skills but also for their poise, determination, and academic discipline.
The Spelling Bee Foundation extended heartfelt appreciation to UBA Sierra Leone and the UBA Foundation for their unwavering support. “Partnerships like this are crucial in our mission to promote literacy and empower children across Sierra Leone,” said a spokesperson for the Foundation. “When institutions like UBA stand with us, they help create opportunities for children to excel and dream bigger.”
Parents, educators, and guests in attendance praised the initiative, noting how the competition builds confidence and inspires a culture of learning and excellence. The event also served as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of early literacy development and academic support for school-age children.
As the curtains closed on the 6th edition of the Spelling Bee, the overarching message resonated clearly—investing in education is investing in the future. With the continued support of institutions like UBA Sierra Leone, there is renewed hope for nurturing the potential of Sierra Leone’s children and youths.
The event was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a testament to what is possible when the private sector partners with educational organizations to drive national development. UBA Sierra Leone’s contribution through the UBA Foundation has once again highlighted the transformative impact of education and the importance of corporate social responsibility in shaping brighter futures.
With each passing year, the National Spelling Bee continues to grow in impact and reach, serving as a beacon of educational excellence and a source of inspiration for pupils, parents, and educators alike.
