Next Journalism:
sierra leone literature

The purpose of this competition is to get young scholars involved in the discussions on African governance. As future leaders, young scholars are encouraged to think about the challenges of “representation,” as well as ways and means of generating financial resources for governance for when they would have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the nation.

The MAAT Group is concerned primarily with the issue of governance, fashioned after the core set of values that are deeply rooted in African culture and history, but somehow not evident in the dominant discourse(s) on governance.

AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE 50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, DR. CECIL BLAKE IS SPONSORING THROUGH the MAAT GROUP FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN GOVERNANCE (MAGSAG).

The launching of an essay writing competition for final year secondary school students and final year university students.

On the topics

“Representation and Governance in Africa: An African based option or borrowed options?” (For final year university students)

“How I would generate financial resources to govern Sierra Leone as president of the republic of Sierra Leone.” (For final year secondary school students).

1ST PRICE: Le.500, 000.00;
2ND PRICE: Le. 300,000.00;
3RD PRICE: Le. 200,000.00

The purpose of this competition is to get young scholars involved in the discussions on African governance. As future leaders, young scholars are encouraged to think about the challenges of “representation,” as well as ways and means of generating financial resources for governance for when they would have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the nation.

The MAAT Group is concerned primarily with the issue of governance, fashioned after the core set of values that are deeply rooted in African culture and history, but somehow not evident in the dominant discourse(s) on governance.

Guidelines: competitors will write a one thousands word essay (secondary school students); two thousand words essay (final year university students); double spaced, 12 point fonts, Times Roman on the given topics above respectively.

A cover page with name, name of institution, age, contact telephone number, institution id number and course of study (for university students) is required. Secondary school students should also have a cover page with the same information.

The essays should have:

(A) A clear thesis statement–after a brief introduction/ background.
(B) Clear set of sub-topics that will be developed in the body of the essay
(C) Clear transitions to ensure coherence as the writer moves from one sub-topic to the other.
(D) Clearly developed arguments in support of the writer’s choice of representation (university students), or methods to generate financial resources to govern (secondary school students), supported by evidence in the form of examples etc.
(E) Presentation of advantages and disadvantages of the writer’s choice or methods respectively.
(F) Conclusion

Correct syntax and style are expected.

A blind review, assessment and determination of the winners will be carried out by a review committee. Each essay will be given a number. The names of the essay writers will not be seen by the review committee.

Closing date: submit all essays no later than April 15, 2011, to the following address:

Department of Political Science,
ATTN: MAAT ESSAY COMPETITION
5th Floor Kennedy Building
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
Mount Aureol, Freetown

Telephone contact: 077-804-119

Announcement of overall winners: 21 May 2011

The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, internationally recognised for promoting ground-breaking works of fiction from across the globe, has announced an eclectic mix of writers from the four regions of the Commonwealth who will be heading to the final stages of the competition at Sydney Writers’ Festival in May.

The regional prize winners are:

Africa:

• Best Book: The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone)
• Best First Book: Happiness is a four-letter word by Cynthia Jele (South Africa)

• Best Book: Room by Emma Donoghue (Canada)
• Best First Book: Bird Eat Bird by Katrina Best (Canada)

• Best Book: The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell (UK)
• Best First Book: Sabra Zoo by Mischa Hiller (UK)

• Best Book: That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott (Australia)
• Best First Book: A Man Melting by Craig Cliff (New Zealand)

Dates: 3 March 2011 (announcement of regional winners), May 2011 (announcement of overall winners)

The Commonwealth Writers' Prize, internationally recognised for its role in celebrating ground-breaking works from both new and established writers, has today revealed the literary icons of tomorrow in the South East Asia and Pacific regional shortlist for the 2011 Prize.

The Commonwealth Writers' Prize, supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation and now in its 25th year, has selected both household names and other emerging stars for the shortlist for Best Book and Best First Book awards. The winners from Africa will go on to compete against writers from across the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Writers' Prize's final programme to be held at Sydney Writers' Festival from 16-22 May.

Africa Best Book:

• The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone)
• Men of the South by Zukiswa Wanner (South Africa)
• The Unseen Leopard by Bridget Pitt (South Africa)
• Oil on Water by Helon Habila (Nigeria)
• Blood at Bay by Sue Rabie (South Africa)
• Banquet at Brabazan by Patricia Schonstein (South Africa)

• Happiness is a Four Letter Word by Cynthia Jele (South Africa)
• Bitter Leaf by Chioma Okereke (Nigeria)
• The Fossil Artist by Graeme Friedman (South Africa)
• Colour Blind by Uzoma Uponi (Nigeria)
• Voice of America by E. C. Osondu (Nigeria)
• Wall of Days by Alastair Bruce (South Africa)

The regional winners of the Best Book and Best First Book prizes will be announced on the 3rd March, with the final programme commencing on the 16th May at Sydney Writers' Festival in Australia. This will bring together the finalists from the four different regions of the Commonwealth, and the two overall winners will be announced on the 21st May.

Commonwealth Foundation Director, Dr. Mark Collins, said:

"The Commonwealth Writers' Prize aims to reward the best of Commonwealth fiction written in English and underlines our commitment to promoting cultural exchange and diversity. This year the range of subjects, the breadth of genres and the diversity of writers will bring the very best of Commonwealth literature to new audiences. The support of the Macquarie Group Foundation has seen the Prize gain in international standing and expand its reach. This year we're delighted to be holding our final award programme in Sydney, the home of Macquarie, at Sydney Writers' Festival."

David Clarke, Chairman of the Macquarie Group Foundation, the main supporter of the Prize, added:

"The Macquarie Group Foundation's continuing support of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in its 25th year is the cornerstone of Macquarie's arts philanthropy. The Prize plays a valuable role in recognising and rewarding diverse literary talents and, in so doing, connects global communities."

Date: 17 December 2010

ESSAY AWARD CEREMONY ON THE ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

In acknowledging Sierra Leone's consistent progress in combating corruption in all facets, the Auradicals Foundation as part of its partnership endeavour to foster nation building instituted a national essay competition (August-December 2010) on the topic "Governance, Democracy and Corruption: The role of the Anti-Corruption Commission in addressing these concepts in Sierra Leone." As a foundation we fully acknowledge the impact of corruption on the development of Sierra Leone . It is our firm belief that such essay competitions will raise more awareness about corruption issues and proffer measures to address such a national malaise.

We are encouraged by the contestants' knowledge of the effect of corruption on good governance and the crucial role of the Anti- Corruption Commission. The quality of the essays was exemplary and we commend all participants. In due course, we will publish the winning essays on our website (www.auradicals.com). We fully acknowledge the support of all our members, essay assessors, patrons, and partners who ensured the success of this initiative.

It is our belief that tackling corruption should continue to be of high priority on the national agenda and we applaud H.E Ernest Bai Koroma's 'zero tolerance' campaign to tackle corruption. The fight against corruption requires more than political will; it is a patriotic duty of all Sierra Leoneans to ensure corruption becomes a matter of history if Sierra Leone is to emerge from decadent underdevelopment to prosperity.

We also use the opportunity of the Award ceremony to call on development partners to continue to support strong leadership of the Anti-Corruption Commission, but most importantly the political stakeholders, and the citizenry of the land that we love, our Sierra Leone to never relent in the fight against corruption.

As a charitable foundation, we consider it a national responsibility to complement the government's fight against corruption, and we hope to embark on similar ventures annually, as a way of raising awareness on corruption, its adverse consequences and how it could be addressed as a national concern.

We invite members of the media and interested organisations to the Auradicals Foundation 2010 Essay Award Ceremony on the Anti- Corruption Commission, at 1 pm on Friday, 17th December, 2010 at the Anti- Corruption Commission Conference Hall, 3 Gloucester Street, Freetown.

Deadline: 10 January 2011

The Independent Media Commission (IMC) established in 2000 by an Act of Parliament as the regulatory body for media institutions in Sierra Lone is organizing the Sixth Annual IMC/Zain Media Awards ceremony for excellence in reporting.

The objective of the Awards is to raise the level of efficiency and professionalism of journalists in the practice of their profession. The Management of Zain Sierra Leone graciously accepted to fund the ceremony on an annual basis since 2005. The target beneficiaries are journalists in the print and electronic media as well as freelance columnists.

The Commission will award prizes for excellence in reporting in each of the following categories:-

Ø Development Journalism – best articles/programmes on development issues such as the environment, tourism, agriculture, health, eco-tourism, anti-corruption etc).

Ø Human Rights (e.g. Child trafficking)

Ø Sports (Local)

Ø Best News Story

Ø Best Radio Feature or Magazine Programme

Ø Best TV Feature or Magazine Programme

Ø Best Newspaper Columnist

Ø Best Investigative Report

Ø Photo Journalism/Cartoons

Ø Gender Issues

Ø Political Reporting

Ø Sexual and Gender Based Violence

The purpose of the Awards is to encourage and reward high quality, ethical journalism, particularly of those issues that relate to peace and development in Sierra Leone.

Newspaper articles, radio and TV programmes printed or aired between 1st January 2010 and 10th January 2011 are eligible. Entrants can pick up application forms from the IMC Secretariat in Freetown, or the IMC Regional Offices in Bo and Makeni between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday-Friday. All submissions must be received by close of business on Monday, 10th January.

For more information, please contact info@imc-sl.org or freetown@jhr.ca

More information here and visit the IMC site here.

Deadline: 14 October 2010

Positions: 2
Location:Freetown, Sierra Leone
Term:7 months
Start Date: Early November 2010
Remuneration: monthly living stipend, plus flight and visa

Position Summary:
Two Senior Trainers will be hired to conduct journalism training activities (including training seminars, preparing curriculum, lecturing, mentoring, and helping to administer a small grants program and a fellowship program) in Sierra Leone (seven months, full-time). The Trainers will have significant journalism experience, a proven ability to successfully teach others and the ability to work in a challenging, cross-cultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Trainers will work closely with the Country Director to:

* Develop content for and facilitate Community Forums on a variety of media, democratic development and human rights topics
* Administer, monitor and evaluate a small grants program for local NGOs
* Administer, monitor and evaluate a Fellowship program for local journalists
* Provide mentorship to journalists involved in the Fellowship program
* Develop content for and facilitate workshops for students at post-secondary institutions
* Other duties as needed

Skills/Experiences/Qualifications:

* A strong university degree in journalism or related field or equivalent experience
* Significant working experience as a journalist
* Significant training, teaching or educational experience
* Strong knowledge of human rights
* Strong knowledge of Sierra Leone and West Africa
* Living or working experience in sub-Saharan Africa preferred
* Proven ability to live and work in a challenging environment
* Extremely self-motivated
* Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment, as well as independently
* Ability to manage and motivate people
* Excellent interpersonal skills – excellent written and communication skills
* Fluency in English is imperative

To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV to the attention of Ms Rachel Pulfer at: sierraleone_applications@jhr.ca.

Deadline: 1 November 2010

THE AURADICALS FOUNDATION
ESSAY COMPETITION 2010

Essay topic:

“Governance, Democracy and Corruption: The role of the Anti-Corruption Commission in addressing these concepts in Sierra Leone"

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was established in the year 2000 by the Government of Sierra Leone to address key questions of (state) corruption that marred Sierra Leone for decades. Most Sierra Leoneans regard the ACC as having the most important tasks of protecting and promoting integrity, accountability and transparency within government institutions. The Commission seeks to achieve its objectives by investigating and punishing acts of corruption within public institutions in Sierra Leone.

A decade since its establishment, the ACC has been led by at least three different Commissioners. However, recent events within the organization have given cause for Sierra Leoneans to question whether the ACC is capable of achieving its objectives. In early May 2010, Sierra Leone witnessed the sudden and unexpected resignations of Abdul Tejan-Cole as head of the Sierra Leone’s ACC and that of his lead prosecutor, Calvin Mantsebo, a Zimbabwean national. These resignations sent shockwaves across the country and beyond. One of Sierra Leone’s major international partners, the United States of America, expresses regret at the event and notes that the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone is a fight for Sierra Leone’s very economic, political and democratic stability.

It is worth remembering that this event comes less than a decade following the end of a terrible civil war in Sierra Leone in 2002 - a war that many observers have noted was caused by rampant corruption. So, as the ACC now has a new leader awaiting parliamentary approval, it is understandable that Sierra Leoneans are uneasy, posing questions about the viability and trustworthiness of an institution that carries with it the hope of an end to some of the causes that led to that bloody civil war.

It is against this backdrop that the Auradicals Foundation considers it appropriate to launch this essay competition on Sierra Leone’s ACC. The key aims of this essay competition are to gauge public opinion on the Commission, and provide Sierra Leoneans with the opportunity to express their views on the evolution and role of the ACC in Sierra Leone’s development. A winning essay should consider the following: what have been the factors limiting the operations of the ACC? to what extent can the ACC influence good governance and responsible government in Sierra Leone? Should central government play any role in the operations of the ACC? if yes, how can and should government interact with the ACC to ensure it properly performs its functions adequately? Should the ACC be an integral part of the Sierra Leone judiciary? How can the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone foster national growth and development? To what extent can the ACC play a leading role in this process? These are some of the core questions to address in a winning essay.

Submission guidelines / marking criteria / prizes

This competition is open to two categories of participants: pupils at senior secondary schools and students at colleges, vocational institutes and universities in Sierra Leone.

For pupils, the word limit for this essay is between 1700 and 2000 words and for students, the word limit is between 2700 and 3000 words inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of bibliography or reference list; anything less than and more than these limits will be disqualified.

Every essay must be well referenced with footnotes and bibliography, using the Harvard Referencing Style – visit http://auradicals.com/ for details on this referencing style. Essays which use any academic materials or other resources must provide full citation of those resources. Essays which simply rely on information from the ACC website may not be winning essays.

The deadline for the submission of this essay (i.e. must be received by us) is no later than 10pm Sierra Leone time on 1 November 2010 at submissionessaycompetition@auradicals.com. The essay must be word-processed and submitted via email only.

Participants are required to provide their full name, date of birth, home address, name of educational institution and student identification or registration number. These details do not form part of the word limit.

We will award prize money and plaques to the essays we assess as 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category. We will announce the winners on Friday, 8th October 2010 and present them with prizes in a venue (to be announced) in Freetown on Friday, 15th October 2010. The prizes for secondary schools will be 1st prize: Le500,000 + plaque; 2nd prize: Le300,000 + plaque; and 3rd prize: Le150,000 + plaque and for tertiary institutions, 1st prize: Le1,000,000 + plaque; 2nd prize: Le500,000 + plaque; and 3rd prize: Le300,000 + plaque.

About the competition organizers

This competition is organised by the Auradicals Foundation. The Auradicals Foundation is made up of members of the Auradicals Club of Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, who have now graduated from FBC and are currently residing, studying, working or living in Sierra Leone, USA, Canada, Australia and the UK/Europe.

By submitting your essay to Us (i.e. the Auradicals Foundation and any of Our successor organisation) for this competition You (i.e. the participant) agree to grant Us a perpetual, exclusive, free of charge permission, right and licence to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, play, and exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to Your essay in any way We (i.e. the Auradicals Foundation) want in Sierra Leone and worldwide in any media now known or later developed for the full term of any rights that may exist. By submitting Your essay to Us, You also warrant that such essay is Your own original work, it has not been previously published elsewhere and that You have the right to make it available to Us for all the purposes specified above, is not defamatory, does not infringe any laws in Sierra Leone or elsewhere, and that You have the consent of Your parent / guardian to grant Us the above rights and warranties if You are under 16.