As Africans and members of their extended family across the African diaspora, we believe it is important for us to show our children that we care about them and are willing to support them.
By participating in this contest, young Africans benefit as follows:
Practice research skills
Gain public acknowledgement
Improve communication skills
Boost self-esteem and confidence
Experience a sense of accomplishment
Maintain focus on excellence in education
Gain public speaking experience (winners)
Receive constructive feedback from Judges
Practice self-expression and critical thinking
Be recognized and celebrated within the community
Be knowledgeable about and share understanding of important global issues
By participating in this contest, young Africans benefit as follows:
Practice research skills
Gain public acknowledgement
Improve communication skills
Boost self-esteem and confidence
Experience a sense of accomplishment
Maintain focus on excellence in education
Gain public speaking experience (winners)
Receive constructive feedback from Judges
Practice self-expression and critical thinking
Be recognized and celebrated within the community
Be knowledgeable about and share understanding of important global issues
The Annual Essay Contest for Children and Young People of African Descent 2008
Congratulations to all participants!
8-10 Years
First Kirstie Ann Gillette (UK)
Second Shovanne Brown (UK)
Third Miriam Serwa Twumaisi (Ghana)
11-13 Years
First Brea Childs (UK)
Second Kenyetta Imani (UK)
Third Jordan Carruthers (UK)
14-16 Years
First Sindiwe Mvubu (UK)
Second Tunde Sowole (Zimbabwe)
Third Kyron Stewart (UK)
Thank You
I asked close to 500 people to support the Essay Contest for Children of African Descent 2008 financially.
The following 16 people and three businesses chose to contribute to the prizes for the children. A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you for your encouragement and support of Our Children.
Mr. P, Mr and Mrs Pain, Mrs B, Anonymous, Anonymous, Jendayi, Mrs E Brand, Mrs Carol H, Anonymous, Yaa Mwanakamisi, Anonymous, Winston Klass, Mr Keon West, JA, Ms. Shirley Wiggins, Mr. M Franklin, Mr Phillip Tullock.
Please make the following businesses the first place you call when you need a property in the Caribbean, legal services or assistance with a mortgage or financial advice.
Maureen Smith
Tropical Connections http://www.tropicalconnections.co.uk
UK-based Caribbean Property Agents - 08452 221 413
Louis Arthur
Supreme Mortgage Solutions
www.supremems.co.uk
07790 263 978
Judges
I would also like to thank all the Judges from the UK, the US and the Caribbean who generously gave their time to mark essays and provide truly excellent feedback.
Natasha P, Grace J, Jendayi K, Mrs J Huntley, Valerie Harrison, Bertram L, Dunstan C, Al J, Wilfred F, David C, Chloe Phelps, Audrey H, Ron, Joy P, Maureen S, Vanessa B, Winston K, Gladys H, Reginaldo M, Jenny T, Kathryn O, Lorna D, Seantelle G, Yaa M, Emma S, Yolande S, Keon W, Tracey, Charline G, Tony M, Benjahman K, Phillip, Angela W C, Seymour Z, Rema, Richard G.
Verona S, Kamau K, Dunni A, Mr Pain, Lisa C, Laquelle W, Yvonne F, Toyin A, Karen C, Lerleen W, Roy B, Pam G, George C.
Judges Special Prizes
In addition to marking essays and providing exceptional feedback, a number of Judges chose to offer Special Prizes to some of the essayists.
A Very Special Thank You to the following Judges for the Special Prizes.
Karen C, Chloe P, Toyin, Emma S P, Yaa (Lorna), Maureen S, Kat O, Jenny T, Joy P.
Judges’ reasons for offering their Special Prize include:
“Has great potential.”
“He put a lot of effort into his work.”
“This child expressed the wish to make people love each other and to help the poor.”
“A positive vision.”
“I am very impressed with your enthusiasm and ambition. I wish to encourage you in your future career. Do not let anyone discourage you from your goals.”
“A wonderful and very mature essay that is relevant to every person of African descent.”
“I really enjoyed reading your essay. You are very ambitious and have your sights set on an exciting future. Continue to learn and grow.”
“Very good effort. Loved your creativity. Please do continue to write.”
“I enjoyed reading your essay. You seem to have a very good understanding of the issues affecting your people in the UK and offered good solutions to the problems. Your essay was well researched and structured with a clear introduction, middle and end.”
“Not only will you help people as a doctor but also inspire them to be like you as you know what it takes to succeed. I am pleased to award you with the popular game called Operation which is known for its use by trainee doctors in order to demonstrate the precision needed in medical professions.”
“I could feel your passion as I read your piece. You have the potential to be a great writer. Be encouraged!”
“This essay was very well researched. You made a good effort to present a fair case from which some very observant conclusions were draw.”
“I would like to offer this child encouragement.”
“The author’s ‘voice’ in this essay leapt off the page and really made an impact on me as the reader.”
“Good reading this positive focus for the future.”
“I was really moved by your essay which I thought dealt really well with some extremely serious issues..... Your essay really made me stop and think about the future of a whole generation of children and it is for this reason that I would like to award you a special prize, for your courage i writing about these difficult issues.”
The Annual Essay Contest for Children and Young People of African Descent 2007
Congratulations to all participants!
7-10 Years
First Renathur Noel (UK)
Second Chelsea Pierre (UK)
Third Gaynel Barry (UK)
11-13 Years
First Mluleki Mvubu (UK)
Second Ruby Faith Aworinde-Smith (Ghana)
Third Sonia Nyathi (UK)
14-16 Years
First Sindiwe Mvubu (UK)
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS
Certificates and feedback have been sent to all participants.
Listen to winners of the Essay Contest for Children of African Decent 2007 read their essays on Henry Bonsu's 'Talent Mix' on Colourful Radio - Saturday 9 June 2007 from 3.15 pm.
Financial Supporters and Special Prizes
Thank you to the following generous Judges who provided the Prizes and Special Prizes for the essayists:
Thank You
For the second year, I wish to thank generous friends in the African Diaspora who have generously given their time to be a Judge and / or their finances to show their support for children of African descent.
Philly Thank you again for such an early contribution.
USA A HUGE THANK YOU for such generosity.
Marius Thank you for everything.
Sandra You are a pillar. I’m heartened I can count on you.
Joseph Another HUGE THANK YOU.
Natasha Thank you yet again.
Natasha Thank you also yet again.
Pam Thank you from across the seas.
Karen I appreciate your contribution.
First time contributors:
Michael V Truly magical!
Regina Thank you for your contribution and entrants from Sierra Leone.
Jax T’es adorable.
Laurie Thank you for so very much - far beyond finances.
Millicent Thank you for across the ocean.
Judges
Thank you for demonstrating you care enough to take time out to be a Judge on this Contest.
Sandra, Philly, Tracey, Natasha, Emma, Natasha N, Karen, Rosemary, Dunstan, Toyin, Kamau, Denise, Lorna, Grace, Alden, Pam (Vincy), Bertram, Albert, Chinema.
The Annual Essay Contest for Children and Young People of African Descent 2006
Click on the essayists’ name to read their essay
Winners
8-10 Years
First Jamilla (UK)
Second Ryan (UK)
Third Omar (UK)
11-13 Years
First Mluleki Mvubu (UK)
Second Sonia Nyathi (UK)
Third Chantelle (UK)
14-16 Years
First Thandeka Khupe (UK)
Second Pholoso Masenya (UK)
Third Sindiwe Mvubu (UK)
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS
Certificates and feedback have been sent to all participants.
Financial Supporters and Special Prizes
Thank you to the following generous Judges who provided the Prizes and Special Prizes for the essayists:
The Essay Contest for Our Children is entirely funded by Africans in the Diaspora.
I very special THANK YOU to all those below who unselfishly chose to make a financial contribution to this contest.
Philly Thank you for your prompt support - just as you said you would.
USA You truly are amazing for such generosity.
SoberSimian Although we’ve never met, Thank you.
Marius A man of his word.
Anon Thank you so much for sharing what your religion teaches about the value of giving.
Natasha. Thank you.
Ms Vincy Thank you for being so generous.
Joseph A special Thank You.
Judges
Judges came from a variety of backgrounds across the Diaspora. They all have one thing in common: their desire to participate in the educational development of Our children.
Sandra E, Philly, Pam (Ms. Vincy), Laurie O’Garro, Joseph Carr, Natasha G, Patrick Clarke, Toyin, Jack B, Gwynneth Hamilton, Rema, Regina, James Hendrickson, Lorna L.