The National Parliament of Papua New Guinea is inviting Grade 11 students nationwide to participate in the National Essay and Poetry Contest, which commemorates the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The contest which launched on Friday 23rd May, will close on Friday 20th June. The central theme for both essay and poetry categories is: "PNG is celebrating 50 years of independence. What does independence mean to you and how do you envision PNG in 50 years' time?" Essay Category: • Language: Must be composed in English. • Word Count: Between 2,000 and 3,000 words. • Content: Students are encouraged to combine personal insights with research, which may include interviews with elders or analyses of history and literature. • Suggested Subthemes: Participants are invited to weave in subthemes like cultural pride, unity in diversity, leadership, or legacy. Poetry Category: • Language: Must be written in English. • Length: A minimum of 6 to 10 stanzas. • Structure: Each stanza should consist of at least 4 lines. Poems may be in free verse or follow traditional forms such as rhymes. Individual students can submit entries in one or both categories. For Individual Participants: • 1st Prize: K5,000 • 2nd Prize: K3,000 • 3rd Prize: K1,000 For the Winning School: • Plaque Award • Library Books Finalists’ Benefits: • National Program in Port Moresby: 24 finalists (6 from each of the 4 regions) will engage in a week-long program in Port Moresby in August 2025, marking the 41st anniversary of the official opening of Parliament House! • All-Expenses-Paid Trip: Finalists will be provided with return air tickets to Port Moresby, a daily allowance, and accommodation throughout the program, all covered by the National Parliament. • Publication Opportunities for Winning Entries. • Historic Capsule Contribution: Copies of all 24 finalist entries will be placed in a time capsule. This capsule will be interred with the presence of pioneering Members of Parliament and will be opened with their presence in 2075! Photographs are also to be included as items in the capsule. Key dates in Selection Process: Stage 1: Selection of top 6 entries in each school. • Deadline: Friday 27th June, 2025 Stage 2: Selection of top 6 entries in each province. • Deadline: Friday 11th July, 2025 Stage 3: Selection of top 24 regional entries. • Deadline: Friday 25th July, 2025 Students are encouraged to take part and showcase their literary skills, critical thinking and patriotism.