16th Annual Children’s Writing Competition kicked off

The Let’s Read Committee, together with The London Speaker Bureau and Oman Perfumes, is delighted to announce the launch of its 16th Annual Children’s Writing Competition. Jane Jaffer, spokesperson for Let’s Read, told the Observer that students from the ages of 8 to 18 years are invited to enter the competition by submitting an essay about friendship.

Elaborating on the theme, Jane said, ‘Friendship is a devoted relationship between two individuals. Real friends are loyal and stay by our side through thick or thin. In a true friendship we can be ourselves without being judged. A true friend will always motivate us and cheer us up. Friends help us grow stronger and become more confident. They help us through difficult times and make life more fun’.

Giving more details about how to enter the competition, Jane said, ‘We hope school children in Oman will take up the challenge to write an essay about their best friend. Entrants will need to describe their friend’s physical attributes and personality and give details of a particular incident where a friend has helped them. For example, a good friend may have defended them against a bully or saved them from a dangerous situation. Perhaps a friend encouraged them to develop hidden talents or helped them with their studies? Maybe a good friend supported them when they were sick or gave them the courage to do something they thought they could never do’. Entries can be written in either English or Arabic. Word count must not exceed 500 words. For additional points, entrants can submit a photo or illustration of themselves with their friend.

Entries must include: name, age, phone number, email address of entrant and school email address and phone number. Winners will be presented with great prizes and may see their work in print. All entries should be submitted to: The Let’s Read Charity Book Shop on 3rd floor of the Oman Avenues Mall. Or sent by email to: letsreadoman@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions is 2nd April 2022.