Recently, the Embassy organized the first annual Spelling Bee Competition in Bamenda. Hosted by the Government Technical High School Bamenda, the competition pitted 30 students from 10 secondary schools in the North West Region.

The close to three-hour competition was witnessed by an enthusiastic audience of about 500 students, teachers, parents and officials from the Ministry of Secondary Education.

At the end of the competition, twelve-year old Miracle Jwomegnie Nyancho, from Sacred Heart College Mankon, emerged winner by spelling correctly the word "Apocalypse".

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Michael Diom, Inspector Coordinator for Languages at the Regional Delegation for Secondary Education – representing the Regional Delegate - applauded the wonderful initiative of the U. S. Embassy to enhance students’ interest in English language proficiency and rekindle the interest of learning among Cameroonian youths.

Organized by the U.S. Embassy with technical assistance from the Cameroon English Language and Literature teachers Association (CAMELTA) and the support of the Ministry of Secondary Education, the spelling bee competition aims at enabling students to deepen their knowledge of the English Language and improve their writing skills.

The activity also contributes to enhancing students’ sensitivity to proper spelling, while at the same time reinforcing public speaking skills, such as communicating with poise under pressure.