In addition to the One World Festival returning this autumn, so too is the poetry competition, which sees young writers from across Northern Ireland submit their poetry in relation to the festival’s beliefs and motto.
The competition, open to all students aged 12-18 years old, aims to get young individuals thinking about important issues raised across the festival through their writing.
Poems submitted should revolve around this year’s theme of ‘Displacement, Migration, Movement’, which should consist of the movement of people and those displaced from their homes.
Siobhan Hanley, chair of CADA NI, said: “Seeing the major changes in how our global population is changing geographically in recent years due to conflict, famine, and climate change, we feel it is crucial to explore the issues and impacts, while also providing opportunities to create change.
As a coalition of aid and development agencies (CADA NI), we are proud to collaborate in presenting the One World Festival – a variety filled programme, including; talks and discussions, storytelling, music, documentaries and films, and much more.”
Submissions for the competition should be no longer than 250 words and only one entry is allowed per person, with entrants needing to have submitted their poems by 12 noon on September 23.
Aside from sticking to the selected topic, poems can be written in any style and feature any techniques desired, enabling writers to have free reign over their creations.
The winner will be gifted a £100 book voucher and be given the opportunity to read aloud their poem during the One World Festival flagship event on Thursday 13 October. Two runners up will also receive a £25 book voucher.
The event features Belfast poet Niamh McNally who will hand out the award, as well as the likes of the Belfast Operatic Society and is free to attend.
For more information and to download an application form, visit https://oneworldfestivalni.com/one-world-poetry-competition-2022 or email festival@cada-ni.org.