The Commonwealth Essay Competition 2014 brought together talented young writers from across the Commonwealth with the annual theme of “An Integrated Commonwealth”. The competition judged entries from students aged 13-18 years old living in Commonwealth regions. This year saw over 25,000 entries submitted from schools representing 70 different countries.
The 2014 competition had four age group categories: Junior (ages 13-14), Intermediate (ages 15-16), Senior (ages 17-18) as well as an open category for those aged 19-25. Students were tasked with composing an original essay of 750-1000 words responding to the theme of how greater integration and cooperation between Commonwealth nations could help build a more just, equitable and prosperous future for all citizens. Judges looked for insights into both challenges and opportunities presented by global cooperation as well as thoughtful, well-argued perspectives.
Regional winners from each age category were selected, with one student taking top honors from each of the five regions that make up the Commonwealth – Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, Caribbean and Americas, and Pacific. These regional champions then went on to be judged at the international level where the overall category winners and runner ups for 2014 were selected. Winners received cash prizes and commemorative plaques, while their schools received book vouchers to expand their libraries.
Special merit awards were given for areas like style, research and referencing. One prize in particular, the Chloe Chaplain Memorial Prize, honored a Canadian student who lost her life and focused on an essay that best demonstrated compassion and social justice. All regional and international winners had their works published online through the Commonwealth Essay Collection.
Some notable winners and topics from the 2014 competition included Adrien Forrest from Jamaica who earned first prize in the Junior category for his piece “The Advantages of an Integrated Commonwealth.” He argued greater cooperation could help address issues like education disparities, disasters and climate change affecting developing nations. Regional champion from Asia, Mahnoor Sharif from Pakistan, wrote about religious tolerance and cultural understanding in her awarded essay “Hand in Hand.”
Meanwhile in the Intermediate grouping, Kudakwashe Chitsiko from Zimbabwe impressed judges with “What Lies Beyond Our Borders” exploring how Commonwealth integration could foster global citizenship and compassion. And 17-year old Asipuwa Favour Tari from Nigeria took top honors at the international level in the Senior category for her powerful essay “Bridging the Divide” addressing ethnic conflicts and lack of opportunities facing youth across Africa.
Other prevailing topics covered issues like environmental sustainability, trade partnerships, women’s empowerment, as well as leveraging technology and sharing of ideas/knowledge to help communities. The research, nuanced perspectives and writing shown by the entrants displayed both an impressive understanding of challenges facing Commonwealth nations as well as hopes and vision for further unification and collaboration between countries. Overall standards remained high each year of the competition even as global participation continued growing.
Looking back, the 2014 Commonwealth Essay Competition proved a resounding success in cultivating thoughtful discussion and solutions from the next generation of leaders. With some awarded pieces still actively referenced years later in university-level coursework and publications, the competition has undoubtedly inspired many young minds to not only think critically but take action helping build a more integrated and just Commonwealth of nations. While judging continues to remain rigorous each year, the event provides a much valued platform for celebrating diversity, talent and promise of youth across the 53-country union. On the theme of further commonwealth integration, it will be fascinating to see new perspectives and topics explored by entrants to the competition going forward.