In a country where daily difficulties can often seem insurmountable, Haitian youth need sources of inspiration to move forward. The LESPWA writing contest, initiated by Oriol ANTOINE, photographer and cultural activist, offers young people a unique opportunity to express themselves through words and share a message of encouragement and resilience.
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LESPWA is based on the idea that writing has the power to heal and inspire. The goal of the contest is simple: invite young people to write a letter addressed to a friend to encourage them to remain hopeful in the face of life’s challenges. This project aims to create a chain of solidarity through words and to remind people that, even in adversity, there is always a glimmer of hope.
Participating in the LESPWA competition is much more than writing a text. It is an invitation to:
- Freely express your thoughts and emotions.
- Spread a message of encouragement and perseverance.
- Highlight Haitian cultural and linguistic richness.
- Benefit from recognition and rewards for your literary talent.
The competition is open to young Haitians aged 16 to 30, and texts must meet the following criteria:
- Theme: Write an inspiring letter to a friend in difficulty.
- Accepted languages: French and Haitian Creole.
- Length of the text: Between 1,000 and 1,500 words.
- Required format:
- Font: Times New Roman, size 12.
- Length: 1 to 2 pages maximum.
Texts must be submitted before February 28, 2025, via:
- Email: antoinoriol@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: + (509) 4726 07 38
In order to encourage creativity and written expression, three winners will be distinguished:
- 1st place: 10,000 gourdes + books.
- 2nd place: 6,500 gourdes + books.
- 3rd place: Books.
Behind this initiative is Oriol ANTOINE, a passionate photographer and cultural activist. Convinced that Haitian youth is a force capable of overcoming hardships, he set up LESPWA to spread a message of hope and solidarity through literature.
Writing is a powerful weapon that can transform difficulties into opportunities. If you want to share your voice and be part of an inspiring project, don’t miss this unique opportunity!
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The Rassemblement pour une Entente Nationale (REN) is a Haitian civil society organization that actively works for a more just, inclusive, and prosperous Haiti. It firmly believes that the transformation of the country depends on the involvement of its citizens, particularly youth and women, who are the pillars of tomorrow, especially given their significant demographic weight in the Haitian population. Guided by this vision, REN focuses its efforts on training, raising awareness, and mobilizing these key groups to help them realize their strength and their ability to drive real change for Haiti’s development.
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