The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition was launched by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the Society’s inaugural Vice-Patron, during a visit to Ghana International School in Accra in the presence of more than one thousand school children.

The theme for 2019 is A Connected Commonwealth. The event was the first launch outside of the UK in many years, in the presence of Dr Greg Munro, RCS Chief Executive; Dr. Mary Ashun, Principal of Ghana International School; Mr Tom Hartley, Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana; HRH The Duchess of Cornwall; Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady of Ghana; Mr. Eric Kutortse, Chairman of First Sky Group and Serene Insurance; Edward Enninful Editor-In-Chief of British Vogue magazine and John Apea, RCS Regional Co-ordinator for Africa (pictured L-R above).

Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future, this year’s topics call upon young people to consider how they can work to use cultural, technological and environmental connections for positive change across the Commonwealth.  It asks young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the vast and varied links between citizens.

Benefits

• All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.

Eligibility

• The Competition is an opportunity for all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their story and have their voice heard – all whilst developing key skills.
• The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under and runs until 1 June 2019.

Topics

• Senior Category: Born between 2 June 2000 and 1 June 2005 (14-18 years of age)