The Wisdom Project competition
Inviting children and young people to interview older persons about children’s issues in Kenya
In recent years, UNICEF has run an annual youth media competition, asking children and young people to create stories about children's rights in Kenya. This year - UNICEF's 75th - we are partnering with the Nation Media Group on the Wisdom Project.
We are inviting children and young people to interview older persons in their family or community about children’s issues over the past 75 years. We want to hear from people from diverse backgrounds about their experiences.
Entries can be in the form of written essays, photo and caption, video or artwork. Each entry should bring out highlights from the conversation and the older person’s experience. There will be two categories, for children aged 10-15 and children and youth aged 16-24.
Winners and runners up will receive a UNICEF school bag (10-15) or Generation Unlimited t-shirt (16-24) as well as a certificate. Their work will be published in the NMG's JuniorSpot magazine and on UNICEF’s website. They will also have the opportunity to take part in Nation media coverage of World Children’s Day on 20 November.
Eligibility
To enter the challenge, you must be living in Kenya and be aged 10 to 24 on 10 September 2021.
The competition will open on 10 September and close on 22 October 2021.
Selection and Prizes
A panel of UNICEF and Nation judges will review all entries and select the finalists and winners in each age group. There will be one winner and up to five finalists in each age group, who will receive a school bag or t-shirt and certificate. The winners will be announced on 19 November 2021.
The best entries will be published in the Nation's JuniorSpot and on UNICEF’s website and social media. They will also have the opportunity to take part in Nation media coverage of World Children’s Day on 20 November 2021.
JuniorSpot is an engaging, informative and entertaining weekly pullout, that runs in the Daily Nation every Monday, targeting children between 9-14 years of age. The pullout aims to complement classroom learning with applicable content from the new syllabus, general knowledge and current affairs in a fun and holistic manner.
Deadline
All participants must make their submissions no later than 23:59 on Friday 22 October 2021.
The Wisdom Project
You can participate in the challenge by submitting a story, video, photos or artwork.
Guidelines
Please interview an older person in your community who is over 60 years old. Older persons may include teachers, grandparents and community leaders – anyone you know who has led an interesting life and has things to say about child rights.
Some of the questions you may ask include:
- What were some of the challenges facing children when you were a child and how have these changed since?
- What was school like for you as a child, compared to how it is now?
- Who had the most influence on you when you were a child and why? How did they shape your life?
- What is the most memorable moment from your childhood and why?
- When you look at Kenya’s children now, what advantages do they have that you did not? What are your hope for their future?
Your entry should focus on one experience or children’s issue from the conversation.
Essays
Write an essay about an older person's experience of children's rights, in maximum 800 words.
Video
Create a video about an older person's experience of children's rights, in maximum 2 minutes 20 seconds.
Photo or artwork
Share up to four photos with captions or one artwork (drawing, painting or similar).