The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is a prestigious international writing competition organized annually by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS). It aims to promote literacy, creativity, and critical thinking among young people across the Commonwealth nations.
Established in 1883, the competition has a rich history and has evolved over time to reflect contemporary issues and themes. It is open to young people aged 18 and under, divided into junior and senior categories based on age. Participants are invited to submit essays, poems, stories, or other written pieces on a specified theme, which varies from year to year.
The competition provides a platform for young writers to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas on topics of global relevance. Themes often revolve around issues such as sustainability, equality, diversity, and social justice, encouraging participants to engage with pressing global challenges and propose innovative solutions.
Winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition receive a range of prizes, including certificates, medals, and opportunities for publication. They also have the chance to attend award ceremonies and engage in writing workshops and cultural exchanges with other young writers from around the world.
Participation in the competition is not only a valuable opportunity for young writers to showcase their talent but also an enriching experience that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. By promoting literacy and creativity, the competition contributes to the development of future leaders and advocates within the Commonwealth and beyond.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition serves as a celebration of young writers and their contributions to literature and global discourse, while also promoting the values of the Commonwealth, including diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
The theme for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to convene in Samoa in October 2024, revolves around “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.” This theme underscores the collective efforts required to address pressing challenges and foster resilience across the diverse nations of the Commonwealth.
With nearly half of the Commonwealth countries being Small Island Developing States like Samoa, which face disproportionate impacts from climate change, resilience is paramount. Moreover, various communities within the Commonwealth confront a spectrum of challenges, spanning economic growth, peace, and security. Strengthening societies to withstand and overcome these challenges has become increasingly imperative.
In alignment with this theme, the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 prompts entrants to reflect on their experiences in navigating adversity. Moreover, it invites participants to explore how community and culture can serve as catalysts for resilience and hope in an era marked by an array of global issues.
Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition SENIOR CATEGORY
(Born between 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age))
- “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?
- Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.
- At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth?
- The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims.
Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition JUNIOR CATEGORY
(Born on or after 16 May 2010 (under 14 years of age))
- What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?
- Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them?
- You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?
- You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).
Top Prizes
- The top two winners from each category will be awarded with a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony at a royal palace.
Awards
- All successful entries will receive a Certificate of Participation and a number of entrants will receive Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for excellence in writing.
Application Deadline: 15 May 2024.
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