The Stories of Africa
2023 African Youth Storytelling Contest
Thank you for sending your story. All submissions are currently being reviewed, and the selected winners will be announced at the GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference on 10-11 October.
What is the African Storytelling Contest?
Do you have a powerful story to share about your vision for a thriving Africa where landscapes are healthy, communities prosper, and justice prevails?
We believe that storytelling has the power to ignite change, inspire action and connect people across borders. After an incredible storytelling contest last year featuring stories from every corner of the continent, the 2023 Africa Youth Storytelling Contest will provide a platform for your visions to reach a global stage.
What’s in it for you?
The top 10 to 15 entries will be featured on our website and social media channels, as well as during GLF Nairobi 2023, reaching thousands of people gathered in person and online to forge a brighter future for the world’s landscapes.
Apart from the incredible opportunity to showcase your talent and share your vision with a global audience, the three best stories will receive prizes of EUR 500, 300 and 200 respectively.
SEE BELOW FOR TERMS & CONDITIONS
The contest is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 born and/or currently living in Africa or part of the African diaspora.
CONTENT
Your story should revolve around the key themes of a thriving Africa, including but not limited to food sovereignty, thriving food systems, biodiverse landscapes, land tenure, ecosystem restoration, gender, climate justice, Indigenous rights, community-led action, youth leadership and sustainable finance.
We encourage you to explore the interplay between healthy landscapes and vibrant communities, the pursuit of justice and equity, and pathways to prosperity for all Africans. Share your ideas, hopes, and dreams for a future that embraces community, collaboration, inclusivity and resilience.
FORMAT
We welcome a diverse range of storytelling forms that capture the essence of your vision for a thriving Africa.
- Video: short films, interviews, documentaries – anything you like! (In case you’re facing data limitations, you’re welcome to submit audio stories).
- Poetry or music: Original poetry, songs or any other forms of art may also be included in your video or audio story.
- Art or animation: You can submit artwork (paintings, sculptures, etc.) or animations associated with the contest theme.
- Another creative medium that showcases your unique perspective.
TIPS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Submitting your entry is a breeze!
- Don’t forget to include a photo of yourself in the application.
- Please remember to include the following in your story (e.g. at the beginning or end of the video or audio):
- Your full name
- Your municipality and country
- The name of your community
- The logo of your organization (if applicable)
In case you want to send your video or audio story in any language other than English, please also provide an English transcript in the relevant part of the application form.
We’re looking forward to receiving your submissions. If you experience any issues uploading your stories, we will be happy to receive them via WhatsApp. Write to Hyginus Laari at h.laari@cifor-icraf.org for more information.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Creativity, passion and originality;
- Relevance to the theme of alternative visions for Africa’s peoples and landscapes;
- Clarity of expression and communication of ideas;
- Overall impact and effectiveness.
Applications Closed
- We would like to encourage folks from underrepresented groups across Africa to submit their story and vision.
- All entries will be reviewed by a panel including the YIL Steering Committee and the GLF team.
- We will acknowledge all submissions but only contact selected candidates. The panel’s decision will be final and not subject to appeal.
- YIL and GLF reserve the right not to select a winner if no entries that they deem suitable are received.
- YIL and GLF reserve the right to use, edit or modify the final version of submissions to be presented at GLF Nairobi 2023.