MUSCAT: The Let's Read Team has announced the launch of its 17th annual Children's Writing Competition. This year, children aged 8 to 18 from schools across Oman are invited to write an original story set in the country or to retell a traditional Omani tale in their own words. The stories must be accompanied by illustrations depicting the Omani landscape and characters.
Participants can submit their entries in either English or Arabic. The entries should be no longer than 500 words and must include the name, age, and contact information of the student, as well as the name and contact information of their school. The deadline for submissions is April 8, 2023.
"We hope that children from schools across the country will participate in the writing competition," said Jane Jaffer, Chairperson of the Let's Read Program. "We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, Renaissance Services, The London Speaker Bureau, and KPMG."
Stephen R Thomas, CEO of Renaissance Services, expressed his excitement about the initiative, saying, "Renaissance is proud to be a part of this initiative, which will provide children with valuable skills that will only grow with time." Tom Kenyon-Slaney, Chairman of the London Speaker Bureau, added that participating in a writing competition is one of the most comprehensive and helpful extra-curricular activities for prospective school or university applicants.
Maythaa al Mandhary, CEO of the Let's Read Team and a judge of the Arabic entries, expressed her excitement about the competition, saying, "We are looking forward to receiving some exciting stories from the students this year."
The entries can be submitted by hand at the Let's Read Charity Bookshop on the 3rd floor of Oman Avenues Mall, or by email to letsreadoman@gmail.com for English entries and maythaa.1988@gmail.com for Arabic entries.
The entries will be divided into three age groups and evaluated by a panel of judges based on descriptive setting, vivid characters, an exciting story, and colorful illustrations. With sufficient sponsorship, the winning stories will be published in a book entitled "Stories from Oman."
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