Dubai : Grade five pupil Sohaib Abdul Malek and Ahmad Muadh Faizan, a grade seven pupil, are to show their passion for reading at the international level by representing the UAE in a spelling bee competition in the US.
Sohaib and Ahmad from Al Nahda National School won the Franklin TESOL International Spell Event on April 24, held at Dubai Men's College, and will fly to New York for the world championship in August.
Al Nahda school was the only institution from Abu Dhabi to take part in the contest that attracted 31 competitors from six schools across the country.
Outstanding
"Ahmad is an outstanding student and a hard worker. I know his capabilities and I believe in him; he is a very determined boy and that led him to excel in this event", Layal Azazi, his English teacher, said.
"I knew his passion for reading would propel him to succeed. He shocked the judges at the competition when he spelled ‘knuckles' and again ‘onyx', the final word that won him first place " she added.
"I am happy and proud, all my peers congratulated me and they all want to travel with me," Ahmad said.
"Now that I have won, I will commit more, and practise spelling words online to get ready for the finals," he added.
"We encouraged him and gave him all the support he needed. We are grateful to the school and to his English teachers," Ahmad's parents said.
"I thank Allah who gave him this ability," his mother added
"Sohaib, who came second, was very excited to be among the best spellers. I had no doubt he will make it, as he can read two to three books a day," Marion Oliver, his English teacher said.
Bookworms
Sohaib and Ahmad, are both fond of reading. Their teachers are pleased with their hobby and do not interfere in their choice of books. The school also supports their hobby, and gives the students unlimited access to two libraries equipped with 10,000 books, where the students can read and also take out books.
"We like to expose our students to compete in various events whether cultural, technological, or sports. Challenging other students elevates their morale and boosts their confidence. It's positive for them, for the school and the country as Ahmad and Sohaib will represent the UAE," Adnan Abbas, Al Nahda Director, said.
The school and teachers support Sohaib and Ahmad's passion to excel, and will work additional hours with the two winners to prepare for this global spelling contest.
Tesol Arabia
The non-profit organisation caters to teachers to promote their development throughout the region. This National SpellEvent is an effort to reach out to teachers and students, and to promote English language learning among the UAE's student population.
