From Chuks Onuoha, Umuahia
The Jolly Phonics Competition organized for primary one pupils in Abia State by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board in collaboration with Universal Learning Solutions Initiative has ended with Master Ihemenandu of Spense Primary School , Isuikwuato emerging the over all winner.
The second position went to Miss Egbe Mba Chioma of Otamkpa Primary School also in Isuikwuato while the third position went to Master Christy Johny Lekwa of Ofaic Agwu Primary School, Ohafia.
The event which took place recently at School Road Primary School drew the presence of teachers and their pupils from Abia North, Abia Central and South of the state.
Declaring the competition open, the Executive Chairman of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Kenechukwu Nwosu expressed delight at the great impact Jolly Phonics method has had on the literacy level of pupils in the state.
He said that the government would sustain the partnership it has entered into with Universal Learning Solutions Initiative in driving primary education to a higher level.
Nwosu pointed out that the Jolly Phonics methods of teaching has helped the pupils in the public schools to read and write effectively.
He thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for ensuring that the teachers in the primary school system in the state are trained and equipped for effective application of the Jolly Phonics method of teaching, as well as the attention he has given to the education sector.
In a reading and writing competitions held recently in Umuahia by ASUBEB and Universal Learning Solutions, providers of the Jolly Phonics methods, Abia pupils have continued to stun their audience with their fantastic skills.
The competition also recognized Ukwa West as the best Jolly Phonics Local Education authority.
Presenting the price, Dr Flora Nkire of Abia State University , who is the academic team leader of the project, praised the Jolly Phonics teachers in the LGA for their commitment to ensure their pupils benefitted from the method.
Also speaking , the representative of the Universal Learning Solutions Initiative, Mr Innocent Nwosu, said Jolly Phonics is a system of teaching that enables pupils to understand easily as well as read and write.
He expressed happiness that within one year, the system has made significant impact on pupils.
In her contribution, the Head of the Department of Educational Foundation , Abia State University, who doubles as the Academic leader for Abia Jolly Phonics, Dr Nkire, appreciated the teachers from Ukwa West LGA for their excellent performance in their teacher-networking.
Dr Nkire, who presented prices to winners , praised the Jolly Phonics teachers in the LGA for their commitment to ensure that their pupils benefitted from the method.
She also thanked the ULS managers for their support for Joly Phonics programme in Abia State.