Lahore: WWF-Pakistan has marked 29 years of its Spellathon initiative, a school-based programme aimed at enhancing environmental literacy among young students through language and learning. According to WWF-Pakistan, Spellathon was launched in 1997 with the goal of integrating environmental awareness into early education by utilizing spelling and language-based learning as a means to introduce nature, wildlife, and conservation topics. Over nearly three decades, the programme has expanded into a nationwide effort, engaging schools across major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and others.

This year's campaign was the largest to date, reaching over 150,000 students across more than 300 schools. Through structured classroom activities and competitive rounds, students were introduced to environmental concepts in an interactive format, effectively linking curriculum learning with ecological awareness. The programme concluded with the National Spellathon Championship held in Lahore, where 18 top-performing students from various cities competed in a series of rounds testing their vocabulary, comprehension, and cognitive skills.

WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan emphasized the importance of early environmental education, stating, "Spellathon reflects our belief that environmental education must begin early and be woven into how children learn." The event was attended by notable figures, including Chief Guest Mian Altaf M. Saleem, who praised the programme’s longevity and impact on developing future leadership in environmental matters.

The Spellathon National Championship is an annual event hosted by WWF-Pakistan's Environmental Education Department and is a key component of its efforts to embed environmental awareness within Pakistan's education system. As the programme celebrates 29 years, it continues to empower young people to be active participants in creating a more environmentally conscious future.