Namibia-Wales ‘Fiction for Children’ Competition 2020 Launched
Working once more in collaboration, under the banner of the Phoenix Project, the University of Namibia and Cardiff University in Wales (UK) launched a Writing Competition earlier this month.
They are asking budding and experienced authors to submit short stories, written in English, suitable for children between the ages of 7 and 15 years.
The competition is the dream-child of Professor Jairos Kangira (Dean: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at UNAM), himself an author of children’s stories, Mr Tim Davies (Cardiff University), a widely published author of short stories and plays and Professor Judith Hall, Cardiff University’s Lead for the Phoenix Project. The Phoenix Project is a partnership between Cardiff University and the University of Namibia.
Professor Kangira said: “the major aims of the competition are to enhance a reading culture in children and promote cultural exchange. Reading is the bedrock of a great education”.
Mr Davies said: “the organisers are keen that the competition will produce culturally appropriate stories for children in both Continents. Children must have characters, role models that they can relate to and then perhaps they will engage further in reading.”
Why not take pen to paper (or sit down at your computer!) and get involved? The organisers are hoping to receive interesting and exciting new stories to inspire our children.
The Short Fiction for Children Competition 2020 is an open competition for anyone resident in Namibia and Wales and will be open to entries from February to 30 April. There are rigorous sets of rules, which authors must adhere to. Organisers are adamant that plagiarism is a crime and will be checked for. It will simply not be tolerated.
The Arts Council of Wales supports the competition, through advertising, and 3 small monetary prizes will be offered by the Phoenix Project.
Professor Hall said: “reading fires the imagination and stimulates children’s desire to learn. Reading more will open the doors to a better education and greater achievement.”
Reflecting on the importance of extensive reading in Higher Education, Professor Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia said: “UNAM is excited to be promoting a competition to improve reading skills. Really though, it’s the sense of excitement and exploration that reading gives, which means that, in the end, we will have more inspired and innovative students. After all, learners and students are our future national leaders and they need a good imagination”.
For full competition details, send us an email at phoenixshortstory@gmail.com
