TheCable

BY: JOHN OLUWADERO

In the history of education and child development, the year 2020 indeed was a special one that we may not forget so soon. Schools were closed, learning went virtual, outdoor gatherings prohibited, and meetings with friends and family became a rare occurrence. While the COVID-19 pandemic may be global, the experiences of young people across the globe are personal and local to their environment.

The pandemic shone a spotlight on global inequality in Africa. Even though school closures and social isolation affected all students across the world, however, school children in marginalized communities in Africa were mostly affected as many who do not have access to internet services and computers were cut off from virtual learning opportunities. With the challenges posed by the pandemic to their learning, a mental health crisis is emerging as many school children lost access to services that were offered by schools.

For example, in some schools where feeding programmes were offered, some school children resultantly suffered from malnutrition following school closure as a result of the pandemic. No matter where you live, or the school your child attends, the pandemic indeed affected the lived experiences of many young people.

In these extremely challenging and uncertain times, it is more important than ever to encourage young people to develop an empathetic and global worldview. In view of this, The Royal Commonwealth Society through the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC), asks young writers to consider how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all its citizens.

The Essay Competition, established in 1883,  has provided hundreds of thousands of young people across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to share their stories and have their say on global issues, all whilst developing key creative skills. The competition in the modern-day gives creative young writers the opportunity to explore contemporary themes through the written word. The Society’s Vice-Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, launched the 2021 Competition on the theme of Community in the Commonwealth.  

With the global spread of COVID-19, we’ve seen the lives of many Commonwealth citizens affected. However, through adversity, societies came together and stories of growth, community and hope continue to emerge.

The QCEC is valuable, not only in promoting the value of the Commonwealth, but it is also a unique chance for young people to develop creative writing and English skill while sharing their views and experiences with a global audience. 

The competition has the full support of the society’s patron, Her Majesty the Queen, who is represented by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at the annual awards ceremony at the Royal Palace in London. Entries will be accepted from 10 May 2021 until 30 June 2021 and details on how to submit entries will be available here.

All entrants and participating schools receive a certificate of participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will, each, win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.

Aside from the winning prizes, your child’s participation in the essay competition would enhance their critical thinking skills. The process and efforts invested into researching and writing the essay also build self-determination and resilience that will, undoubtedly, be necessary for stellar academic achievements once the student graduates from high school and moves on to higher education. Ideally, these skills will continue to develop, preparing the student for greater success once he graduates from school and begins to live and work independently.

John Oluwadero is the Literacy Lead (Africa) for the Royal Commonwealth Society.