The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is arguably the world’s oldest international writing competition. Thousands of young people participate every year across the Commonwealth nations. And this has been since its inception in 1883. The competition was formally known as the Commonwealth Essay Competition, but ‘Queen’ was recently added in honour of Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of England who is the Head of the Commonwealth. It is organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS). This year edition is advertised by the Federal Ministry of Education through its website. Entry is opened till June 1, 2018.

Just in case! Commonwealth is the association of sovereign states, most of which are former British colonies, with the British monarch as its head. The Association is aimed at the political, educational, and socio-economic development of member states among others. The ongoing Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast 2018 in Australia is an illustration of what the entity stands for.

In this 2018 edition of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, young writers are asked to explore how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all, especially the young ones.

Senior Category

Young people born between 2nd June 1999 and 31st May 2004. That is, 14-15 years old.
Essay topics: Participants under this category are to write on any of the following topics:

1. The road to a safer future.
2. How does education contribute to a fairer future?
3. ‘Healthy, Wealthy, Happy and Free’: is one more important than the others?
4. Future generations have rights too, which must be defended. Discuss.

Junior Category

Young people born after 31st May 2004. That is, under 14 years old.
Essay topics: This category of participants should write on any of the following topics:

1. What does a safer future mean to you and your community?
2. Write a recipe for a common future: what ingredients will you need? What is the best method for making it? What will it look like?
3. ‘A Day in the Life’. Imagine you are your country’s Head of Government for the day: how will you build a better future for young people?
4. Our Common Earth.

Submission Deadline

1st June 2018.

Eligibility

All nationals and residents of all Commonwealth countries aged 18 and below are eligible to enter the competition. All entries must be in English.

Awards

All participants will be given a Certificate of Participation. A number of gold, silver and bronze will be given in both categories as a reward for excellence in writing.

Two winners will emerge from each category. They will be flown to London for a week of education and cultural event which will climax in a special award ceremony.

But, you know what! In this kind of competition, it’s a not a tradition to induce participation with high-sounding prizes. Participants in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition should do so for passion and interest and see what happens if they win. You know what I mean?

Download the competition flyer here

Visit www.thersc.org for the full gist and the link for detailed terms and condition. Good luck!

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