Essay competition to create awareness on EA integration

This year’s East African Students’ essay writing Competition for students in Secondary schools will start at the end of this month.

Kenya’s Ministry of Education's Director of field coordination and Co-curricular activities Chacha Mwita said participants in the essay competition will be required to write essays of between 1000-1500 words on: “How will the integration of East African Community improve the standards of living of its people”.

The competition will commence on March 30 and end on July 17.

“The competition is open to all students in Form One to Form Four in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania. Participants have to write in English, French or in Kiswahili languages but on the same topic,” said Mr Mwita.

The competition aims to create awareness among the students about the policies, programmes and activities of the regional block.

“It will also enable the students analyze from their own perspective how the diversity of cultures of the people of East Africa can build or undermine the integration process in the region and to foster a deeper understanding among the school-going population about the existing cultural, historical and political ties of the East African people,” said Mr Mwita.

In the National category, the five best essay writers will be awarded certificates, cash tours and will go on a sponsored tour in East Africa.

The best of the five students will receive Sh30, 000 while the fifth best student will received Sh12, 000.

The best school will be awarded a plague plus school equipment worth Sh12, 000.

Regional prizes will be awarded during the Summit of EAC Heads of State in November 2017 whereby the best essay writers will be awarded the Lake Victoria Award which will consist of a certificate and a cash price of Sh75,000.

Winners will also tour Tanzania after the Head of States Summit in November.