PNG youths have the chance to show their knowledge, comprehension, and writing skills as one of the world’s longest-running writing competitions opens up – the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. The competition opened on March 15th, and this year it is most significant as it marks 75 years of the Commonwealth, of which PNG is a member. Annually, thousands of young people participate in the essay competition which highlights and recognizes accomplishments, elevates youth voices, and develops critical skills through creative writing. It invites participants to reflect on how they deal with adversity, as well as how community and culture can be used to foster resilience and hope in a world affected by an increasing number of global issues. Categories are open for those born on May 16, 2005, to May 15, 20210 – this is the senior category for youths aged 14 to 18. The junior category is for those under 14 years of age – born on or after May 6th, 2010. Essays are based on four questions per category. Senior Category: 1. “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps that bring about the most lasting change.” – Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis? 2. Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it. 3. At the heart of the Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, cooperation, respect, and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance cooperation and community in the Commonwealth? 4. The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty, and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims. Junior Category: 1. What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth? 2. Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them? 3. You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond? 4. You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you). Last year’s winners in the senior category were Annika Turon-Semmens, then 16, from Adelaide, Australia, and the runner-up was then 15-year-old Hiya Chowdhury, from Uttar Pradesh in India. In the junior category, the winner was Shreeya Sahi, then 12, from Panchkula, India, and the runner-up was Ariadna Sullivan, then 13, from British Columbia, Canada. For those who wish to take part this year, entries close on May 15th, 2024, and more information on how to enter the competition can be found at www.royalcwsociety.org. All successful entries receive a Certificate of Participation, and a number of entrants will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards for excellence in writing. The top two winners from each category this year receive a paid trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony at the royal palace. www.royalcwsociety.org