Join The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 – Win a Trip To London
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) 2024 is now open, inviting young writers from around the world to showcase their literary talents. As the world’s oldest international writing contest, the QCEC provides a prestigious platform for youth to express their creativity, critical thinking, and cultural perspectives. This year’s theme, ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth,’ commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth and underscores the importance of unity and resilience in facing global challenges.
Theme: ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’
Eligibility: Senior (14-18 years), Junior (Under 14 years)
Prizes: Trip to London, Awards Ceremony, Certificates, Gold/Silver/Bronze Awards
Topics: Climate Crisis, Global Challenges, Samoan ‘aiga’, Peace & Progress
Deadline: May 15, 2024
Apply Now: Online Application
Cultural Events: Educational and cultural events in London
Inspiration: Inspired by 75 years of Commonwealth & Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
About the Competition
This year’s theme aligns with the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, October 2024. It highlights the need for resilience and collective effort in addressing global issues, especially climate change, which disproportionately affects Small Island Developing States within the Commonwealth.
Participants are encouraged to draw from their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds to propose solutions, share stories of resilience, and envision a hopeful future for the Commonwealth. The competition aims to spark a global conversation on how community, culture, and collective spirit can foster resilience against the backdrop of global challenges.
Prizes and Recognition
Winners of the QCEC will receive more than just accolades:
- A Trip to London: The top two winners from each category will enjoy a week of educational and cultural events in London, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony at a royal palace.
- Certificates and Awards: All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation, and outstanding entries will be honored with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards, celebrating excellence in writing.
Eligibility Criteria
Senior Category (Ages 14-18):
Participants born between May 16, 2005, and May 15, 2010, can choose from the following prompts:
- Reflect on small steps to tackle the climate crisis, inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s wisdom on lasting change.
- Write a speech on the world’s most pressing issue and how Commonwealth values can address it.
- Discuss how your cultural values can enhance cooperation within the Commonwealth.
- Pen a letter to a leader, outlining paths to peace, liberty, and progress.
Junior Category (Under 14 years):
Participants born on or after May 16, 2010, can explore these topics:
- Propose a new habit for a greener Commonwealth.
- Imagine a dialogue on resilience and hope with a grandparent.
- Converse with sea creatures during a beach clean-up.
- Share how you’d make friends on a school exchange in a different Commonwealth country.
How to Apply
Ready to unleash your creativity and contribute to a brighter Commonwealth future? Apply here and ensure your submission is in by the deadline on May 15, 2024.
For further details, explore the QCEC website.
Join a Tradition of Literary Excellence
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 invites you to be part of a rich tradition of literary excellence. It’s an opportunity to voice your ideas, share your cultural insights, and potentially experience the historic city of London. Whether you’re reflecting on personal actions to combat climate change, discussing resilience, or imagining conversations with sea creatures, your voice can resonate throughout the Commonwealth. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a global dialogue on resilience, hope, and transformation.