Deadline: 17 May 2011
Topic: Refugees and Human Rights
How to Submit a Poem: Download the Entry Form here PDF format
Eligibility: This contest is open to all aspiring poets who are students in Grades 4-12 and attending schools in the greater Toronto area. Poems will be written in English with a maximum of 24 lines. Awards will be given based on the following three grade categories for a total of three first prizes: Group I grades 4-5-6, Group II grades 7-8, Group III grades 9-10-11-12. Current employees or relatives of UNHCR Canada or COSTI Immigrant Services are not eligible to enter the contest.
Prizes: Three First Prizes of $200.00 each. Three Second and Third Prizes of $100.00 each.
Decisions: Judges will be members of the UNHCR Toronto Office, COSTI Immigrant Services, others to be announced. Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, creative imagination, characterization, artistic quality, adherence to the topic, and rules established for the contest. All decisions of the judges are final.
Fees: There are no entry fees, no subsidy payments, and no purchases of any kind required to enter and win the contest.
Rights: All poems remain the property of the artist. By submitting a poem for this contest, the artist grants permission to UNHCR Canada and COSTI Immigrant Services to publish the poem, profile contest participants, and use submitted materials in any manner related to refugee and human rights promotion, including for World Refugee Day. UNHCR Canada and COSTI Immigrant Services are under no obligation to publish any contest entries. The artist is under no obligation to purchase a copy of the publication in which the poem may appear.
Winners will be invited to an open ceremony for prize awards and photo/interview opportunity, children younger than 16 will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult that can authorize and sign on their behalf.
Notification: All prize winners will be notified by mail and posted at www.costi.org
For further information, contact:
Mary Pam Vincer
vincer@costi.org
416.244.8989
Q. How does the contest work, and what prizes can I win?
A. UNHCR Canada and COSTI Immigrant Services are sponsoring the second annual greater Toronto area “Refugees and Human Rights Child and Youth Amateur Poetry Contest” to bring greater attention to human rights abuses and the plight of refugees. Each poem will be evaluated by our selection committee.
There are three school grade categories awarded a First Prize of $200 each. The categories are grades 4 to 6, grades 7 to 8 and grades 9 to 12. Each category will also be awarded a Second and Third Honourable Mention in the form of a plaque.
Q. What is the topic and how do I enter the contest by mail?
A. Please enter only one original poem, 24 lines or fewer, on the subject “Refugees and Human Rights”, in any style. The subject is very broad and you can choose to express your views on any aspect of “Refugees and Human Rights”.
Please mail or email your poem to the following address:
Poetry Contest
1710 Dufferin St.
Toronto, ON
M6E 3P2
Email: admin@costi.org
Contact Information:
For inquiries: admin@costi.org
For submissions: admin@costi.org
Website: http://www.costi.org/