Young people aged 15 and above can now send in entries for the 2013 International letter-writing competition for young people organised by the Universal Postal Union In each country of the world.
You are expected to write a letter between 500 and 800 words and must adhere to the rules of letter writing. See details below.
Worth of Awards
- The first three international winners will receive medals (gold for the first, silver for the second and bronze for the third) struck by the IB, as well as a certificate and other prizes offered by the UPU.
- Member countries may also award additional prizes to their international prize-winners, at their discretion.
- It is recommended that the prize-giving ceremonies be held on 9 October, the anniversary of the foundation of the UPU, to form part of the activities connected with World Post Day.
Eligibility
- Young people up to the age of 15 years may take part in the competition.
- The UPU International Bureau (IB) cannot accept entries sent directly by schools or private individuals.
- The organizers designated by member countries must respect the competition’s organizational principles, which specify that they are solely responsible for organizing the national stage of the competition and therefore must provide all the parties concerned with their own contact details and not those of the IB.
- The organizers should select their country’s best composition (one composition per country or territory only) and send it to the IB no later than 30 April.
How to Apply
All entries must be submitted by post, by e-mail or by fax to: +41 31 350 37 11.
All entries must include:
- the composition (typed) in either Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. If the original is handwritten, the organizer should type up the text on a computer and submit the original with a translation into English, French or Spanish (as preferred) of the original composition if it has been written in a language other than those mentioned above.
- a cover letter from the organizing body.
- a duly completed entry form, including the contact details of the candidate and the national competition coordinator; this form is available opposite to download.
- a good quality digital photograph of the candidate, preferably in JPEG format (at least 300 dpi).
Presentation and content of entries
- The compositions submitted must be recent, unpublished letters.
- Compositions must be presented in the form of a letter (“Dear ……..”, include the address of both the addressee and the sender, and end with a signature).
- Entries must strictly respect the set theme.
- Entries must strictly adhere to the number of words permitted in the original language (between 500 and 800).
Organizational principles
Each member country organizes a letter-writing competition for young people in its territory as suits it best, but preferably with the help of the national education authorities, and selects the best entry. The best entry is chosen in accordance with the general rules of the competition.
Deadline: Participating member countries must send their best entry to the IB, together with all the required documents, to the IB by no later than 30 April.
Click here for more details