Youth essay competition to reflect on racism
A national essay writing competition against racism will in March encourage young people to prove that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.
The South African Youth Essay Writing Competition Against Racism is inviting young people between the age categories of 15-25 and 26-35, from across the country, to share their reflections on racism.
The competition serves to raise awareness around racism. Anti-Racism Week is celebrated between March 14-21.
There are various grand prizes to be won, which include laptops and cash. The winning essays will also be published.
The essay writing competition is in collaboration with Khwerha Ye Afrika and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and is supported by Department of Arts and Culture, Foundation for Human Rights, Steve Biko Foundation, Spotlight Creations and local organizations.
The purpose of the competition, said Tommy Khoza, the Executive Director for Khwerha Ye Africa, is to ‘provide young people with an opportunity to creatively use their writing talents to share experiences, encounters and untold stories of racism’.
Busisiwe Nkosi from the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Youth Leadership Programme said that the initiative comes as a response to national discussions on racism.
She added, “What’s unique about this competition is that essays can be entered in any of the 11 official languages as chosen by the participants.”
To enter the competition, your written essay should be between 1000 to 2000 words in any South African language of your choice on the topic of racism. Submissions can be sent by email, post or hand delivery. The closing date for submissions is March 31.
The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in Johannesburg.
Send your submissions to info@.khwerha@gmail.com with the subject ‘Essay Submission’ or fax to 0865733643. Submissions can be posted to P.O. Box 6804, Halfway House, 1685 or hand delivered to 69 Market Street, Kimax Building, Office 11B, Boksburg North. Don’t forget to include all your contact details.
For more information, contact Melissa on 011 892 0399 or 081 702 5862.
