Overview of the contest

If you are between the ages of 16 and 19, are current students in high school or secondary educational institutions and have your education or the learning of your family member affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and have ideas for the better ways to learn, you can apply for the World Bank and Financial Times’ blog writing competition.

The World Bank wants to hear from the most-impacted- young people about how we can help children learn anywhere in the world. So, take part in this competition and be bold, persuasive, and creative.

This competition is built on the World Bank’s recent reports on Realizing the Future of Education and Reimagining Human Connections.

The theme of the competition: “What lessons have we learned to improve teaching and learning?”

What insights from your experience during the COVID-19 pandemic do you think would improve education and learning? What should educators and policymakers do differently, including by leveraging technology and changing teaching methods?

Quick details

Submission deadline: January 31, 2022

Organizers: The World Bank and Financial Times’

Winner Announcement: Around April

Benefits 

What are the benefits of this competition?

• Due to the limitations during the pandemic, the world bank is seeking to find any other way to identify other virtual ways in order to recognize the 2022 winners.
• The winners will be featured on the Financial Times and the World Bank’s Blogs.

Who can take part?

Those who are:

• Current students of high school or secondary schools
• Between the age of 16 to 19
• Able to write a blog/essay

Young students can share their high-quality writing, most creative ideas, and solutions to further education outcomes beyond the pandemic.

What should submissions include?

• Strong blog or essay (English, Maximum 500 words)
• Photos, videos, visualizations that support your story (optional)
• Name, age, school, email, and applicants’ living country

Evaluation

Entries will be evaluated by a high-level panel consisting of senior officials at the World Bank Group, the Financial Times, and select partners.

The criteria for assessment include:

• originality, creativity, writing quality, and solutions presented.

How to apply?

Apply online by entering your entry before the deadline.

Apply Now

Further points to consider:

• Entries must be entrants’ own and original work not previously published.
• All entries must be in English, French, Spanish, or Arabic.
• Any submitter may enter the competition only once.
• Participants should agree to the terms and conditions of the competition.

For more information please visit the World Bank Group Website.

Further opportunities you may like: 

• USAID YouthLead #Reach16 Essay Competition for Young Changemakers  
• Microsoft Imagine Cup: Student Developers World Competition 2021 Season (IC21)
• USAID Center on Children in Adversity (CECA) Care Leaders Council Fellowship