Athlone learner wins provincial writing competition
30 July 2020
To celebrate International Children’s Day, the Centre for Early Childhood Development in the Western Cape, ran a competition for children to share how they are feeling about going back to school.
Entrants could submit a short story, a poem, rhyme, a song or a video.
Kim Thompson, a Grade 5 teacher at Bridgeville Primary School, challenged her learners to enter the competition.
Taskeen Abrahams, Shiloh Alexander, Caillum Hector and a Grade 6 learner, Ashleigh Peters, participated in the competition. Ashleigh and Shiloh submitted video presentations and Taskeen and Caillum submitted essays.
Shiloh, an 11-year-old boy, was announced as the provincial winner in the Intermediate Phase category. This was exciting news for his family after they suffered personal loss due to Covid-19.
In his video presentation, Shiloh illustrated his concerns and fears while acknowledging the health and safety measures implemented by schools to keep learners safe. “I am positive and ready to go to school,” he concluded.
Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDzszQbhSQI
Covid-19 affected Shiloh’s family as relatives tested positive for the virus. Sadly, his uncle, Shaun Phillips, succumbed to the virus. He was the person that celebrated Shiloh’s achievements and always reminded him how proud he was of him.
Shiloh’s teacher said it has been a sad time for his family as Phillips’ death was sudden. “There is a scripture that reminds us that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning – Psalm 30:5. The news that Shiloh won this competition brought so much joy to the Alexander and Phillips family as this is the rainbow after the storm their family faced with the passing of his Uncle Shaun.
“Congratulations on this awesome achievement, Shiloh, and for being resilient despite everything your family faced. Also, well done to all the others who participated in the competition. We are very proud of you.”