PEARL CLUB CREATIVITY CONTEST 2021

 PEARL CLUB CREATIVITY CONTEST 2021

Theme: Defense of Human Dignity- All Men as Brothers

“I hope that people will finally come to realize that there is only one ‘race’ – the human race – and that we are all members of it.” – Margaret Atwood

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BACKGROUND

Humanity has come so far with its advancements in science and technology, turning our once too vast to comprehend world, into a network of interconnected data, a global village as it is called. Humanity has remained the same with a deluge of war, strife, discord in nearly all parts of the earth, together with outbreaks of diseases but with newer names, with generations making nearly the same decisions with similar outcomes as preceding ones. In all of these, one might be faced with the constant inclination to write humanity off as a lost cause as we drown in a wellspring of varying emotions. Those of fear of the unknown, worry over a loved one living in a city of unrest, dissatisfaction over decisions not in our favour, anger at the neighbour who stands in the way of our ‘progress’, defeat.

Inspite of all these, we hear, with a clarion call Jean-Bertrand Aristide- ‘If one suffers we all suffer. Togetherness is strength. Courage’. That as we are all victims, so also we all could be victors. This is further highlighted by words from one of the most recent literature on social friendship and fraternity; Fratelli Tutti- “All of us have in ourselves something of the wounded man, something of the robber, something of the passers-by and something of the Good Samaritan. Therefore, each day we have to decide whether to be Good Samaritans or indifferent bystanders”- Pope Francis.

This awakens within us a sense of mission to want to turn circumstances around in our own little corner because by treating everyone with respect and esteem we begin a chain reaction of rightness, like a ripple effect. Camaraderie and fraternity do not happen by accident but are formed from the carefully woven threads of compassion and love.

AIM

In organizing this competition, our aim is to foster in the participants, a sense of brotherhood using problem solving, critical thinking and creative writing skills, as well as self-expression in oral, written or graphic form. More importantly, we hope to use this medium to get participants to think about problems against human dignity particular to their environment and rewrite the outcomes creating a better world for all.

Following this, participants are expected to work around the theme while keeping one or more of the following points in mind:

- What preconceived beliefs do I have that affect my relationships with my immediate environment and how do they manifest?

- Human relations are a constitutive part of man, which can be fully accomplished only through relations marked by authenticity, reciprocity and self-giving. -Pope Francis

- It is possible to live together with mutual respect irrespective of our inherent differences.

- “Loving others means seeing and affirming them just as they are, with their problems, their defects, their personal history, their social surroundings…” Fernando Ocariz

Topics

A. Writing:

Participants entering the writing category are expected to come prepared to write an essay or a short story that reflects the theme.

Topics will be given on the day of the competition.

B. Visual Art:

Participants entering the art category are expected to produce a work of art that depicts the theme using recyclable materials.

Levels

1. Junior: between the ages of 11 – 13

2. Senior: between the ages of 14 - 16

Mode of submission

Writing category:

- All write ups will be hand written and submitted on the same day; Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Uzommiri Study Centre, 11A Igboeze street, Enugu.

Art category:

- Participants are expected to produce their art work before August 28, 2021.

- Submissions could be painting, drawing or crafts. Ensure that it reflects the theme. Paintings and drawing should be framed.

- They will present their art work to a panel of judges on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Uzommiri Study Centre, 11A Igboeze street, Enugu.

Entry Requirement

- Participants should be girls in secondary schools.

- They should have read and reflected on the theme and suggested literature.

- Registration opens: July 1 – August 21, 2021. Fee N2,000

- Writing will be done at a physical location: Uzommiri Study Centre, 11A Igboeze street, Independence layout, Enugu from 9:00am on Saturday, August 28, 2021

- Art works to be done at home and submitted.

Winners to be announced on September 8, 2021

Click here to register

Young writers’ and artists’ workshop:

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop to be facilitated by the judges on Saturday, July 17, 2021

FACILITATOR, Young Writers’ workshop

Chioma Nzekwe is a PMP Certified Project Manager and Technology Consultant with an MBA from University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt Germany. With more than 10 years of experience in different IT companies, she is currently working with SAP SE- the world's third-largest software company and serving as a Thought Leader in Technical Consulting.

She is passionate about telling stories (her truth) to empower and to educate. She uses personal essays and blog posts to communicate with her network and followers.

Her writing is published on Medium and Linkedin. She is a wife and mother of three children.

You can contact and follow her on Chioma – Medium, Linkedin and Instagram @chiberry2000,

MEET OUR JUDGES WRITING:

           

JENNIFER DUNKWU  

Jennifer is a Doctor of Applied communication. She studied English & Literature in University of Benin and Communication & Language Arts in University of Ibadan. She currently works as a research consultant at NBEC.

MARY JOY OROLA

Joy has a BA in English language and a PGD from Nigerian institute of journalism. She is the Editor of Thin Walls Media, has a radio programme and has edited a number of books.

NICODEMUS ONAH

Nicodemus is a graduate of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During his time in school, he won numerous awards including essay contests and scholarships. He was a one-time President of the UNN Essayists Group. He was also the Editor-in-chief of the maiden magazine of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, University of Nigeria chapter, published in November, 2019.

ART:

Mrs. Pamela N. Agu is a visual Artist. She works with the National Council for Arts & Culture, Enugu Zonal Directorate a parastatal under the ministry of Culture & Tourism. She is a Deputy Director & also the head of Arts & Design Dept. of the Zonal office.

ANN ONYAOLA OGIDI

Ann is a student of Architecture at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. She is a contemporary artist whose forte is customized cards and pencil portraits as well as pastel (coloured chalk) designs.

She also has a flair for turning waste in to art.

NNEDINSO CYNTHIA OGENYI

Nnedinso is a sculptor. She studied Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

She has participated at the Life in my City Arts Festival held annually in Enugu. She is presently a freelance artist in Enugu.

AWARDS AND PRICES

Courtesy of

Hon. Barr. Sunday Umeha

   

Juhel Pharmaceuticals

Mr. Chike Okeke

    

Vivy Pharmacy 

Suggested literature:

- Fratelli Tutti by Pope Francis- click here

- Letter by the Prelate of Opus Dei, November 1, 2019 -click here

- The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

- Wonder by R.J Palacio

- The secret Garden by by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Follow this link get books:

Contact information and further enquiries:

 

pearlclub042.blogspot.com

@pearl_club_enugu 

pearlclub042@gmail.com

 Pearl club- 09085418026 Munachi- 09069379519