Macmillan Writer's Prize showcases African youth writing

Bellagio Publishing Network Forum (Bellpubnet)
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> Writers from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia have been
> shortlisted for the 2004 Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa, 'the only
> prize to recognise the very best in unpublished African fiction for
> children and young people'.
>
> The shortlist of seven has been chosen from an just over 500
> manuscripts. Entries were submitted by both new and experienced
> writers
> from 19 different countries across the continent: Cameroon, Egypt,
> Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia,
> Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa,
> Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. There were also a number of
> entries from writers living overseas.
>
> This year's Chair of the judges Beverley Naidoo comments:
> 'The Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa has once again revealed
> enthusiasm and talent in writers across the continent exploring a
> variety of themes. Reaching our shortlist wasn't easy. We actively
> debated individual merits in widely differing scripts, assessing them
> in
> terms of originality, quality of writing and appeal to intended
> audience. While our shortlist was unanimous, each of us was affected by
> yet other stories that touched us while not quite meeting all of our
> criteria.'
>
> The shortlist which includes four new writers is:
>
>
> JUNIOR AWARD
> For an original, unpublished story in English for children between the
> ages of 8 and 12.
>
> The Blue Marble
> Jackee Budesta Batanda (Uganda)
>
> The Bamboo Girl
> Anthony Kwamlah Johnson (Ghana)
>
> The Talking Pot
> Gichaba Joseck Nyantino (Kenya
>
> SENIOR AWARD
> For an original, unpublished story in English for teenagers between the
> ages of 13 and 17.
>
> Wandi's Little Voice
> Ellen Mulenga Aaku (Zambia)
>
> Lea's Christmas
> Elizabeth Irene Baitie (Ghana)
>
> I Refuse to be a Statistic *
> Alice Muthoni Gichuru (Kenya)
>
> Begotten of the Gods *
> Osita Okoroafor (Nigeria)
>
> The judging panel for the Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa is:
> Award-winning children's authors Beverley Naidoo (Chair) and Meshack
> Asare; writer and broadcaster Aminatta Forna; and newspaper columnist
> and winner of the 2002 Best New Children's Writer Award Susan Kajura.
>
> The winners will be announced on 15 January 2004 along with
> presentation
> and publication details.
>
> For further information on the prize, including details of the 2002
> Winners, contact your local Macmillan office or visit
> www.write4africa.com
>
>
>
> Bellagio Publishing Network
> PO Box 1369
> Oxford OX4 4ZR
> [email protected]
> www.bellagiopublishingnetwork.org
>
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> Bellagio Publishing Network Forum (Bellpubnet)
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