The Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) came alive with vibrant energy on Friday as one hundred primary and secondary school students, from first year to Form Five, participated in the Mindstar Spelling Bee competition.
According to District Curriculum Coordinator at the Ministry of Education, Karen Ramdahin-Nandaram, this spelling bee competition aligns closely with the Ministry’s strategic vision for educational transformation. She said it reflects a commitment to fostering the values, attitudes, and beliefs that shape the ideal citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, while contributing meaningfully to progressive national development.
“Keep learning, keep aiming higher, and never underestimate the power of the mind, fuelled by curiosity and determination. The Ministry of Education is proud to support programmes and initiatives that align with our vision of the child, where our children will achieve their full potential, nurturing and becoming well-rounded citizens.”
Mayor of San Fernando, Robert Parris, echoed the sentiments, and expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. He said he was deeply encouraged by the level of engagement and talent displayed at these events.
“I see a lot of parents here as well. Continue to support your children in everything that they do, not just their academics, eh. There are also other avenues that you have to encourage your children into.”
Special guest speaker Alex Xavier Modeste shared some kind words of advice to his peers – words that he used to achieve a successful 96% mathematics score in his recent Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams.
“To my fellow young students, I say study hard, enjoy school, and adapt to change.”
According to the event coordinator, A.L. Williams Educational Services, the competition is designed to cultivate literacy, promote technological awareness, and inspire innovation among the youth of Trinidad and Tobago.