There’s an opportunity for aspiring young writers to get their work out there.
The Department of Basic Education urges all secondary school pupils to be part of the annual Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secondary Schools Essay Competition.
Now in its 16th year, the SADC Secondary Schools Essay Competition brings to the fore the undoubted talents of some of South Africa’s most gifted young writers, their ability to express themselves, their thoughts and views.
The topic of this year’s essay is: Climate change is having adverse effect on socio-economic development in the region. What should the education sector do to mitigate the impact on the youth?
Pupils are expected to write an essay, focusing on the following:
n Explain the causes of global warming and how a change of one or two degrees in global average temperatures can have an impact on our lives.
n Discuss the effects of global warming and climate change on the socio-economic development in the SADC region
n Clarify the main challenges in addressing the effects of global warming and climate change
n State if it is too late to do anything about climate change
n Explain what the SADC Education Sector should do to mitigate the impact of climate change on the youth.
The three selected essays from each province will be forwarded to the Department of Basic Education by 15 April.
The SADC secretariat has allocated about R11 000 as prize money for the national winners of the competition in each member state. There will also be a second and third prize winner in each member state.
To enter the competition, pupils must reside in South Africa, currently attend secondary school, and the essays must not be more than 2 000 words and not less than 1 000.
Submissions must be the unaided work of applicants and they should be submitted in English. The name of entrant must be the same as those that on their ID or passport, and applicants must be willing and fit to travel.
All entries should be submitted to the nearest district or provincial co-ordinator on a date set for the provincial level. The national closing date is 11 April.
Details: Elijah Mhlanga on 083 580 8275 or Terence Khala on 071 701 6837.
