The Royal Commonwealth Society has launched “The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2017”, focusing on the topic of “A Commonwealth for Peace”. The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under. This year’s topics ask for a more active understanding of the role of the Commonwealth as a network of and for democracy, Human Rights, and peace. Winners will get a number of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards, visits to Cambridge University, a trip to London and much more benefits.
The Royal Commonwealth Society, founded in 1868, is a network of individuals and organizations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world.
Eligibility:
- All citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under are eligible to enter the competition.
- Special dispensation applies to entrants from Hong Kong, Ireland, The Gambia and Zimbabwe, who are also eligible
- Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st May 2017. Senior entrants must be born between 2nd May 1998 and 1st May 2003 (14-18) and junior entrants must be born after 1st May 2003 (under 14 years of age).
How to Apply:
For applying the essay contest, the candidates must submit an essay according to the given guidelines:
- Junior Category: Born after 1st May 2003 (under 14 years)
- What is in your Toolbox for Peace?
- My peaceful place.
- How can children and young people come together to build a peaceful society?
- ‘Peace cannot be learnt from a book or from religion. You have to reach out and touch the nations.’ How does this relate to the Commonwealth?
- Senior Category: Born between 2nd May 1998 and 1st May 2003 (14-18 years)
- Peace.
- Should you fight for peace?
- Kofi Annan said ‘Education is, quite simply, peace-building by another name.’ Do you agree? Answer with reference to your country and/or the Commonwealth.
- What is the cost of peace?
Essay Guidelines:
- 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 essay per entrant is allowed
- Essays can only be uploaded as a Microsoft Word document (.doc) or in PDF format (.pdf).
Submitting Details:
In order to submit your essay, you will need to register, making sure to complete all the mandatory fields. The link is: https://essay.thercs.org/
Financial aid and Award Money:
- One Winner and Runner-up will be chosen from each category. Winners and Runners-up will be flown to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony.
- A number of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards will be given in both the Senior and Junior categories, rewarding excellence in writing. All entrants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Application Deadline:
All entries must be submitted before midnight (BST) on May 1, 2017.
Link for More Information:
https://www.thercs.org/youth-and-education/the-queens-commonwealth-essay-competition/
Contact Information:
Having trouble submitting your essay? You can contact competitions-at-thercs.org
