By Aaron Kirunda, Executive member of the African Spelling Bee
At the African Spelling Bee, we have always believed in the power of literacy to unlock young minds and empower them to achieve their full potential. That is why I am thrilled to announce our partnership with the #BornToLearn campaign to put children’s learning at the top of the agenda. It is the beginning of a collaboration that underscores our shared commitment to ensuring that every child in Africa gets the chance to shine.
Spelling Bee championships are held the world over, from east to west, from Asia to Europe and the Americas. The first ever championship was held over 100 years ago in the U.S. state of Ohio. I am an Executive Member of Spelling Bee Africa, which began in 2016, and now covers 22 countries on the continent.
I have witnessed the championships over the years provide a platform for children from diverse backgrounds to showcase their spelling abilities, build self-confidence, and cultivate a love of learning. Our champions are proof that literacy changes lives; many have gone on to excel academically and become role models in their communities. They bring hope for Africa.
On the eve of the 2025 African Spelling Bee Championships in Abuja, Nigeria, young spellers from across the continent will be coming together in a spirited competition that reminds me why we do what we do. Together with the competitors, we will be launching our partnership with the #BornToLearn campaign by the GEM Report, ADEA and the African Union accompanying the Spotlight series on foundational learning. Former Spelling Bee champions including the 2023 champion, Praises Esere Minabowa from Nigeria, will share their journeys, demonstrating the long-term impact of a strong educational foundation. With our testimonials and the GEM Report’s evidence, we will showcase how literacy transforms lives.
Education is not just about passing exams; it is about instilling a lifelong love of learning, and shaping a future where young Africans can become the leaders and innovators that our continent needs. The Spelling Bee competition has shown time and again that when children are given the right support and encouragement, they embrace learning with enthusiasm.
Confidence is a key ingredient in academic success. The Spelling Bee has provided thousands of children with a platform to stand before an audience, spell complex words, and build their self-esteem. We believe that when children feel empowered, they are more likely to embrace challenges, overcome obstacles, and reach for greater opportunities.
The collaboration between the #BornToLearn campaign and the African Spelling Bee is about showing that literacy matters. Because, while every child is #BorntoLearn, the reality is that many never do. Research from the GEM Report, ADEA and the AU’s Spotlight Report series reveals that, in Africa today, at most two out of every ten children complete primary school and have the ability to read and understand what they are reading.
Our dream is for every child in Africa to have access to quality education and to be able to read, write, and think critically. We know that we cannot achieve this alone. That is why partnerships like this one are so important—they allow us to scale our impact, reach more children, and create a ripple effect that will be felt across the continent.
For more information about the #BornToLearn campaign and the African Spelling Bee, follow our updates and join the conversation online. Together, we can change the future of education in Africa.
