The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest writing competition for the nationals of Commonwealth countries, Ireland, Hong Kong, and citizens of Zimbabwe. The competition includes Prizes and a Free Trip to London for winners, and runner-ups. The competition is announced by the Royal Commonwealth Society. It’s a chance for young people in Commonwealth nations to share their ideas and perspectives on global issues.
The Theme for the QCEC 2024 is “Our Common Wealth”. And there are different topics are made for the senior category and Junior category. All entrants will receive a Certificate of Participation and a Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will get a Free trip to London for a week. More details about the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, the requirements, and the eligibility criteria are given below.
About Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
- Age Categories: There are two categories – Senior (14-18 years old) and Junior (under 14).
- Theme: The 2024 theme is “Our Common Wealth”
- Deadline: 15th May 2024
Also Check: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship 2024 (Fully Funded)
Prizes, and Awards
- One Week fully-funded trip to London.
- Certificate of Participation.
Junior Awards Categories (Under 14s)
- Junior Winner
- Junior Runner-up
- Gold Awards
- Silver Awards
- Bronze Awards
- Certificate of Participation
Senior Awards Categories (Under 14-18)
- Senior Winner
- Senior Runner-up
- Gold Awards
- Silver Awards
- Bronze Awards
- Certificate of Participation
The winners and runners-up from each category will also attend the special Awards Ceremony, held at Buckingham Palace, which is hosted by Her Majesty as a part of their Trip to London.
Eligibility Criteria
- Senior Category: 16 May 2010 (under 14 years of age)
- Junior Category: 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age)
- Open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
- Word Limit: Senior – 1500 words, Junior – 750 words.
Topics for Senior Category
Please select any one topic from the below.
- Topic 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?
- Topic 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.
- Topic 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?
- Topic 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.
Topics for Junior Category
Please select any one topic from the below.
- Topic 1: What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?
- Topic 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?
- Topic 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?
- Topic 4: You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different from your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).
How to Apply?
You need to submit your essay online. Please read the FAQs. The Link to the official website is given below.