Essay, Poetry, Artistic Competition on Ending Poverty in Malawi

Call for EntriesDeadline: 22nd June, 2015

The World Bank Group has been Malawis development partner since 1965. The Banks mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity.

In July 2015, the World Bank will be commemorating 50 years of its partnership with Malawi. As part of its commemorative activities, the Bank would like to engage the general public to share its perspectives on what it will take to end poverty in Malawi considering that the country still remains one of the ten poorest in the world. The Bank would like views expressed through competitive essays, poetry, cartoons and photographs. Views could cover any range of issues that affect the fight against poverty.

Entries are now invited as follows:

Category A

A Better Malawi Essays and PoetryPeople below the age of 40 are invited to express the Malawi they envisage in the next 20 years, and what it will take to end extreme poverty in this generation in view of the current development environment.

Category B

Down Memory Lane Essays and PoetryPeople above the age of 40 are invited to submit essays and poems reflecting on what makes Malawi to still remain poor, and what could be done to end extreme poverty in this generation based on lessons/experiences of the past.

Category C

Development in CartoonsThis is open to all. The cartoon should creatively express obstacles or facilitators to Malawis fight against poverty.

Category D

Photography and PaintingsThis is open to all. The photo should capture a distinct message on poverty, with an explanation in no more than 100 words on what the story is. The photo should be of high quality.

GUIDELINES

Essays should be in English, type-written in no more than 2000 words. Writers are encouraged to title their essays in line with their selected focus. The essay could be of any kind, e.g. descriptive, critical, cause/effect, etc.Poems and cartoons can be in English or ChichewaDeadline for submitting entries is 22nd June, 2015 by 4:30 pm.E-mail entries to infomalawi@worldbank.org Hand deliver entries to World Bank, Mulanje House, City Centre, Lilongwe or post to P.O. Box 30557, Lilongwe 3Indicate you name, contact details including phone number, and the category you are entering.Entries will be considered on the basis of originality, relevance, persuasiveness, and quality.Enquiries call 01 770 611 and ask for the Poverty Competition Desk.

PRIZES

There will be 7 sets of prizes 2 sets (essay and poetry) in category A; 2 sets in category B (essay and poetry); 1 set in category C (cartoons) and 2 sets in category D (photography and paintings). Each set has monetary prizes broken down as follows:

1st prize US$1000 2nd prize US$750 3rd prize US$500 4th prize US$350 5th prize US$250

Selected competitive entries will be compiled into a publication titled What Will It take to End Poverty in Malawi Perspectives from Malawians.