Apply for 2016 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

Deadline: May 1, 2016

This opportunity falls under our international youth opportunity category. This competition open to applicants from all all the Commonwealth countries aged under 18.

The theme for 2016 competition is ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’, which is also the 2016 Commonwealth Year theme, and a crucial theme for today’s youth. Both Senior and Junior topics will enable young people the opportunity to think deeply about aspects of the theme such as: the significance of community; the importance of diversity and difference; the question of belonging; the values of tolerance, respect and understanding; and the sense of shared responsibility that exists within the Commonwealth today. These topics will allow all selected the chance to develop critical thinking ability.

As indicated earlier, this competition is open for all Commonwealth citizens aged under 18. The essay competition will provide young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to make their voices heard on a global platform, to engage with issues important to them and to express their aspirations for the future.This program always afford participants the opportunity to stimulate intellectual discussions about important Commonwealth and global issues from a young person’s perspective and to showcase their critical and creative skills.

Junior Category:

This category is for Individuals born after 1st May 2002 (under 14 years)


Imagine inviting a stranger to your country. How would you welcome them?
My ideal community.
Are we really so different?
Tales of an ‘insider/outsider’.

Senior Category:

This category is open to applicants born between 2nd May 1997 and 1st May 2002 (14-18 years)
Let them in.
How can you balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the crowd?
The wealth we have in common.
Is it possible to have an inclusive and tolerant society?

Application Guidelines:

Please note that all submissions must be completed online for the 2016 competition. However, offline submissions will be accepted in case secure internet connection is an issue.

Prizes:

In previous versions, prizes are usually awarded to the first prize winners in the Senior and Junior categories. That said, the organizers are unable to confirm what the prizes will be until after the winners are announced sometime in September 2016. Past prizes included certificates, resources for winner’s school, visits to Cambridge University, a trip to London and a week of activities, work experience at international organisations, and having your entry featured in worldwide media. RCS regional and branch offices often hold ceremonies or offer prizes.

Please visit application page for more information