Registrations are now open for the Children's Writing Contest

Pinehas Nakaziko

WINDHOEK – I'm the key Children Media invites children from 7 to 16 years old to participate in the children's writing contest of Namibia before September 5th.

Entry is free and children are free to choose their own subjects, in any Namibian language with which they are comfortable and how they would like to pass it on. Drawing, photos or any other graphics are not allowed in the competition. Short stories should be submitted to [email protected] or drop into submission boxes that will be placed at different schools. Eslien Tsuses of I am the Key says that the winning prizes will be divided into four categories. The first winner will receive a N $ 1000 scholarship, a certificate and will also be able to publish a book. The second winner will earn N $ 800 and a certificate, while the third winner will receive N $ 500 and a certificate.

The winning story of each category will be published. "We have also introduced a $ 5,000 Namibian School Support Award for schools to participate and support the learners," says Tsuses. The competition will be divided into three categories: Sub-junior (7-9 years) to write 300-500 words; Junior (10 – 12 years old) to write 500 – 700 words, and Senior (13-16 years old) to write 700-1000 words. The Namibian Children's Writing Contest is launched to promote literature in Namibia and to harness the creative potential of Namibian children. "Imagine reading a book from a child of your age, who lives in your community, facing the same challenges, which will not only inspire children to pursue their dreams, but also inspire their hopes and opportunities," says Tsuses. , adding that these children will not only be role models in their communities, but that they will also develop a greater sense of self-awareness, trust, academically and socially.

Tsuses adds that they have decided to start at the base of years of early learning, and with this initiative, they hope to foster a culture not only of writing but also of reading in children. "Special arrangements can be made directly with schools, through English teachers and life skills or directors, so that they can collect children's stories and we can take arrangements to collect the boxes. This is because most children do not have access to the emails and resources needed to post stories. We therefore urge schools and teachers to contact us so that we can make arrangements and give all learners an equal chance. "

Tsuses says that the dreams of Namibian children are valid and that they must create platforms not only to promote them, so, with the competition, they hope to develop future world-renowned authors, researchers, and leaders." With the competition, kids will benefit by improving their writing skills, earning cash prizes and a publishing deal with I'm The Key Children Media. "They will become full-fledged writers and they will also become members. of The Key Children Media by association and will be exposed to more fun, attractive and rewarding opportunities. "

Dalah Hapulile, currently Executive Director, I founded The Key Children Media, a Namibian non-profit corporation The project is being administered by Tsuses, who is currently the project manager.