SCHOOLS ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
IN AN inaugural essay-writing competition presented by the Al Ikhlaas Academia Library in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Zara Masoet scooped first prize for her piece on Learning to be a Global Citizen in the 21st Century.
As a prize, the Grassdale High School pupil won an Ipad. She was followed by Emlin Hendricks, from South Peninsula High School, who won a mountain bike, and Kelly Petersen, from Bellville South High School, who scored a free trip to Robben Island.
Al Ikhlaas Academia Library chairman Dr Elias Parker said they received more than 500 submissions, and only 10were selected for presentations.
“We are very satisfied and happy with the submissions made. The children were given topics to write about, for which they identified problems and solutions. The solutions they identified were well thought out,” he said, adding that the submissions received had showed great potential.
Parker said the aim of the competition was to empower through knowledge the vision of Academia Library.
He said the WCED envisaged, among other things, a basic education system with relevant knowledge and skills that better prepared pupils for higher education and the working environment, so they can function as active citizens. He said the pupils who made it into the top 10 would be getting some more training in writing.
“We need to encourage a culture of literacy,” said Parker.
The Cape Argus will be publishing the essays of the finalists.