Africa-themed writing competition to mark Africa Day 2015

Africa-themed writing competition to mark Africa Day 2015

New Africa-themed writing competition to mark Africa Day 2015

New Africa-themed writing competition to mark Africa Day 2015

DUBLIN, IRELAND – Irish Aid has linked up with The Irish Times on a new Africa-themed writing competition to mark Africa Day 2015. Entries are invited from writers in three categories: primary school, secondary school and adult.

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According to DHR Media, writers are invited to submit a short story or poem relating to African experience in either Africa or Ireland. Primary-school children can submit a piece of up to 250 words and secondary school students of up to 500 words. The word count for entries from adults is 2,000 words.

The closing date for entries is 15th May and the winners will be chosen by Irish Aid and The Irish Times. The winning stories will be published on www.Irishtimes.com on 24th May and winners will receive a selection of books to the value of €50 each. There will also be a photographic presentation at The Irish Times.

Commenting on the announcement of the competition, Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North-South Co-operation, Sean Sherlock TD, said: “We are delighted to team up with The Irish Times for this competition ahead of Africa Day 2015. Highlighting and celebrating Africa’s culture in this way also helps to underline the growing connections between Ireland and the African continent. I hope that as many people as possible will enter the competition and also join us at our upcoming Africa Day events being held around the country.”

Assistant literary editor of The Irish Times, Martin Doyle said: “The Irish Times is delighted to mark Africa Day by celebrating Africa’s rich literary tradition on irishtimes.com on 24th May, and through our writing competitions helping to foster a new generation of storytellers.”

Irish Aid will host Africa Day Dublin, its flagship family event, on Sunday, 24th May in the grounds of Farmleigh Estate in the Phoenix Park. This free family-focused event will feature the sights and sounds of Africa, through fun activities, music, dance, drumming, traditional fashion designs, and lots more.

In conjunction with local authorities, Irish Aid will also host Africa Day celebrations in Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Galway.

Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas assistance programme. It is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.