The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) African Youth Storytelling Contest is an empowering initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of young Africans by providing them with a platform to share their stories related to landscapes, sustainability, and community resilience. This contest recognizes the critical role that storytelling plays in raising awareness about environmental issues, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring action towards sustainable development across the African continent.
Designed for young Africans aged 18 to 35, the contest invites participants to submit stories that reflect their personal experiences, challenges, and successes in interacting with and preserving their natural environments. These stories can be presented in various formats, including written essays, videos, photo essays, and audio recordings, allowing for a diverse range of creative expressions. The inclusive nature of the contest encourages participation from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences, ensuring a rich tapestry of perspectives and narratives.
The primary objective of the GLF African Youth Storytelling Contest is to highlight the innovative and impactful ways in which young people are contributing to landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods. By showcasing these stories, the contest aims to inspire broader community engagement and support for environmental initiatives, demonstrating that young people are key drivers of positive change in their communities and beyond.
Winners of the contest receive significant recognition and rewards, including the opportunity to present their stories at GLF events, which attract a global audience of policymakers, researchers, activists, and practitioners in the field of sustainable development. This exposure not only amplifies the winners’ voices but also connects them with influential networks that can support and expand their initiatives. Additionally, winners may receive financial awards or grants to further their environmental projects or educational pursuits, providing tangible support to advance their efforts.
The contest also serves as an educational experience, offering participants workshops and training sessions on effective storytelling, multimedia production, and communication skills. These resources help contestants refine their storytelling techniques and enhance their ability to convey impactful messages about environmental stewardship and sustainability. By building these skills, the contest empowers young Africans to become more effective advocates for their communities and the environment.
The Global Landscapes Forum African Youth Storytelling Contest is a powerful initiative that leverages the art of storytelling to promote environmental awareness and action among young Africans. By providing a platform for diverse voices and stories, the contest not only celebrates the contributions of young people to sustainable development but also inspires broader community engagement and global support for their efforts. Through recognition, training, and networking opportunities, the contest empowers young storytellers to make a lasting impact on their communities and the planet.
In the lead up to the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference, the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL) are hosting the 2024 African Youth Storytelling Contest “The Stories of Africa”.
THEMES
Your story should share your thoughts, hopes and dreams about a future for Africa that values community, collaboration, inclusivity and resilience. In simple words: what should a bright future for Africa look like?
Eligibility Criteria For The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) African Youth Storytelling Contest
- The contest is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 born in Africa, living in Africa or from the African diaspora.
FORMAT
GLF welcome a diverse range of storytelling forms that capture at least one of the themes described above. Submissions can take various forms, including:
- Visual arts or animation: artwork ( paintings, sculptures, drawing, photography, etc.) or animations
- Video: short films, interviews, documentaries, performance art – anything you like!
- Audio: original poetry, music, podcasts, etc. .
Another creative medium that showcases your unique perspective.
Benefits
- The top 5 to 10 entries will be featured on the GLF website and social media channels, as well as at the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference, reaching thousands of people in person and online.
- On top of the opportunity to showcase your talent and share your story with a global audience, the three best stories will receive prizes of EUR 500, 300 and 200 respectively.
Selection Criteria
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Creativity, passion and originality;
- Relevance to the the themes described above;
- Vision and pathway for the future of Africa;
- Clarity of expression and communication of ideas;
- Overall impact and effectiveness.
Method of Application
Please include the following in your story:
- Your full name
- Your city or town and country
- The logo of your organization (if applicable)
If your submission is in a language other than English, please also provide an English transcript in the relevant part of the application form.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024.
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