Applications Invited for The 2019 Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

Organization:

The Royal Commonwealth Society, founded in 1868, is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world. Through youth empowerment, education and advocacy, The Royal Commonwealth Society promotes the value and the values of the modern Commonwealth. We champion human rights, democracy and sustainable development through our international networks and across the 53 member states which are intrinsically linked through their common history and shared values.

About the Event:

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition was launched by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the Society’s inaugural Vice-Patron, during a visit to Ghana International School in Accra in the presence of more than one thousand school children. The theme for 2019 is A Connected Commonwealth. Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future, this year’s topics call upon young people to consider how they can work to use cultural, technological and environmental connections for positive change across the Commonwealth.  It asks young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the vast and varied links between citizens. The Competition is an opportunity for all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their story and have their voice heard - all whilst developing key skills. For 2019, we want to hear from more young people across the Commonwealth, all stories and voices are important. The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under and runs until 1 June 2019.All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events

Eligibility:

Topics:

• Senior Category
• Born between 2 June 2000 and 1 June 2005 (14-18 years of age)‘You are the most optimistic, connected generation the world has ever known.’ HRH The Duke of Sussex. How can you use Commonwealth connections for positive change? Connected by the oceans; can we work together to protect the environment?‘We are all now connected by the Internet’ – Stephen Hawking. What does the future hold for humankind? Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth. What are the opportunities for shared, sustainable growth?
• Junior Category
• Born on or after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age)My cultural connections. An overseas visitor is coming to your town for the first time.  How would you connect with them? A place I feel connected to. The Commonwealth connects people across borders - what can we learn from our neighbours?

How to Apply:

• The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of the Maldives and Zimbabwe. Residents of no Commonwealth countries whose entries are submitted through their local RCS branch are also eligible.
• Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st June 2019. Senior entrants must be born between 2nd June 2000 and 1st June 2005 (14-18) and Junior entrants must be born after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age).
• The maximum word counts are 1,500 words for Senior entries and 750 words for Junior entries. These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.
• Entries must be written in English.
• Only one entry per participant is allowed. Once an essay is submitted, students/teachers will not have the opportunity to revise it. Please carefully check and improve your writing before submitting the final copy, and also ensure that all supplementary information is filled in correctly (name, contact details, topic number, etc.)

Application Deadline: All online entries must be submitted before midnight (GMT) on 1st June 2019; Please note that for postal entries, your essay must be received by 1 May 2019

For more information please check the Link