by Sabina Elago
Windhoek
Namibian learners are encouraged to be part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2016, with entries now open. Open to all Commonwealth citizens, aged 18 and under, the competition offers young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to make their voices heard on a global platform, to engage with issues important to them and to express their aspirations for the future.
“Each year, participants demonstrate their ability to stimulate and provoke discussions about important Commonwealth and global issues from a young person’s perspective and to showcase their critical and creative skills,” says Louise Guillaume, programme officer. She adds that entrants in the Junior Category must be born after May 1, 2001 (under 14 years) and their topics are: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being young?
Imagine what the world will be like when you are an old person.
I am the future!
Imagine you are a young person living in a different part of the Commonwealth. What is life like for you?
For the Senior Category entrants must be born between May 2, 1996 and May 1, 2001 (between 14 and 18 years) and their topics are:
What do you hope to achieve in your lifetime?
In 2030 you will no longer be young. What changes would you like to see in the world in 15 years’ time?
Youth versus experience and fresh perspectives, what can a young Commonwealth offer?
The 2016 theme is ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’. “Both senior and junior topics give young people the opportunity to think about aspects of the theme, such as the significance of community, the importance of diversity and difference, the question of belonging, the values of tolerance, respect and understanding, and the sense of shared responsibility that exists within the Commonwealth today,” explains Guillaume.
She adds that entrants are expected to show originality and flair, linked to sound academic standards and competent use of English as a written language. This includes a good standard of spelling and punctuation, neat presentation and clear handwriting or word-processing.
Entries must respond to the topic and entrants are encouraged to be creative in their response to a topic. Entries can be submitted in a number of different formats, such as a poem, letter, article, story, essay, or even a short play. Illustrations are welcomed, particularly in junior entries, but they must enhance the written text and add to the overall quality of the entry.
All entries must be submitted online at www.thercs.org. Submissions can be made until May 1, 2016. For more information, entrants can visit https://thercs.org/youth/the-queens-commonwealth-essay-competition-2015.