SYNOPSIS
The maiden edition of the National Short Story Challenge was launched on 10th April, 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep students engaged while they stayed at home in order to optimize responsible use of time.
This year, a second edition is opened up to give children the opportunity to demonstrate their writing talents again with some in school and others at home, in order for both teachers and parents to play critical roles in supporting their wards to ensure that world-standard stories are produced. This challenge is to encourage young writers and to intellectually engage them.
Contestants are allowed to write about any topic of their interest on any subject and participation is free.
OBJECTIVES
- To promote children’s contents through the Publication of winning stories on Ghana Library Authority App.
- To increase library membership registration on app.
- To give children the imagination boost they need to think more innovatively and to push boundaries.
- To promote better understanding of the mechanics of reading and writing.
- To create awareness on the importance of writing.
- To inspire young writers nationwide to showcase their creative and critical thinking skills.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
- The Competition is open to from age 9 to 18.
- Contestant must be a resident of the Republic of Ghana.
How much is cost per entry?
Entry is FREE
Can I write a story on behalf of my ward?
Third-party entry is not permitted.
This competition is aimed at igniting the writing creativity in children, therefore, writing on behalf of your ward is a disservice to him or her.
What are the recommended topics for entries?
This is an open subject story writing contest for children.
Contestants are not limited to particular subjects and can therefore choose to write about any topic of their interest. However, entries containing defamatory, obscene, offensive, or any other unsuitable materials will be disqualified.
How do I submit my entry/story?
All entries must be sent by uploading it through the input field, provided on the application form with the inscription "Upload your story here" by 5pm GMT on 28th May, 2021, the closing date of competition.
The attachment must be a Word document or PDF. Entries should be no more than 1,500 words in length, and must be written in English.
Can I use my entry in other competitions?
Each contestant retains the copyright in his or her entry but grants to The GhLA a perpetual non-exclusive royalty-free license to publish and post the story on the Ghana Library app and on any other platforms yet to be envisaged.
What is the deadline of the competition?
The deadline for submission is before 5pm GMT on 28th May, 2021.
What happens if my entry gets lost or delayed?
Only entries that are duly received by GhLA by the closing date will be eligible for the Competition. The Ghana Library Authority cannot accept responsibility for entries that are lost, delayed or damaged and proof of sending an online entry is not proof that we received it.
Can I present an already existing story?
All entries must be the original work of the contestants and plagiarized entries will be declined.
What are the prizes for the winners?
Overall winner will receive a cash prize of GHC1500. 1st Runners-Up will receive GHC1000 and 2nd Runners-Up will receive GHC500.
Winners will be ambassadors and also have their stories published on the Ghana Library App.
