VoFG Thriving Writers' Community Award
This award recognises schools that have fostered a dynamic, inclusive, and impactful writers' community for children. The initiative should align with the themes of the Voices of Future Generations (VoFG), focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Children’s Rights.
This award allows multiple people within one school community to share equal credit. The submission should be made by one teacher or coordinator on behalf of multiple people within the school and it will be evaluated as a team effort.
Who is eligible to apply for the award?
We accept applications from teachers or school coordinators in the UAE involved in running the Voices of Future Generations competition and We Write Programme in their school, whether in government or private education. This includes teachers of students with special needs. One application coordinator should submit the entry on behalf of the group.
What are the guidelines?
- Applications open January 2025 and must be completed by the applicant teacher.
- Only the first application received will be considered, so be sure to include all relevant information and attachments.
- Follow the focus points shared in the application to ensure successful submission.
- Upload additional supporting evidence, such as photos, videos, and documents.
- The deadline for applications is 30 April 2025.
How is the award evaluated?
The award is judged based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with Themes (20%)
How does the school’s writers' community inspire students to delve into topics related to one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs)?
For instance, how do students engage with issues such as quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), climate action (SDG 13), or more?
Additionally, how are the fundamental values of children’s rights, such as freedom of expression, and participation in decision making, reflected
in the themes selected for writing projects?
- Inclusivity and Participation (20%)
How does the school guarantee that every student, regardless of their background or ability, has the chance to participate in the writers'
community?
This may involve making accommodations for various learning styles, languages, and abilities.
Are students actively engaged in the design, organisation, or leadership of writing projects and events?
Do they have a say in selecting the topics or objectives of the community?
- Creativity and Innovation (20%)
Describe the range of writing formats—such as poetry, short stories, essays, and spoken word that are promoted within the writers' community.
In what ways do these forms encourage students to creatively express themselves?
Has the school implemented innovative approaches, such as digital platforms, art integration, or collaborations with authors to inspire students'
writing while exploring themes related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- Community Impact and Outreach (15%)
How has the writers' community enriched the overall school culture?
Are there school-wide events, writing showcases, or publications that foster a culture of writing?
Has the community reached out to local or global communities through initiatives such as partnerships with other schools, NGOs, or digital
campaigns?
How are students' writings shared to promote awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and children's rights beyond the school
environment?
- Sustainable Development of the Community (10%)
How has the school established a framework to ensure the longterm sustainability of the writers' community?
Are there systems in place to facilitate the community’s ongoing growth, such as mentorship programmes or resources for future cohorts?
In what ways does the school support both students and teachers in honing their writing skills, guiding their peers, and participating in
discussions focused on sustainable development and children’s rights?
- Evidence of Impact (15%)
What measurable outcomes illustrate the success of the writers' community?
This might encompass an increase in student participation, feedback from participants, or awards and recognition received by students.
Have students' works been published, either digitally or in print, or showcased at events and competitions?
In what ways has the community established platforms to present student writing to wider audiences?
Has the writers' community inspired any advocacy initiatives by students related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or children’s
rights, both within the school and beyond? How are students leveraging their writing as a means for positive change?
- Shared evidence that supports all claims made.
What is the Prize?
What is the Prize?
- The prize includes recognition for the teachers and the school, with an award that highlights their contributions to the Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) competition and programme.
- Winning team also receives prize money of AED 5000, certificates, public acknowledgment in media and at the VoFG events.
- Additionally, the winning school’s writer’s community wins editorial feedback on any 2 stories of their choice submitted for review.
