Worldwide: The World Bank 2006 International Essay Competition

Wanted: your practical ideas!

Today is your world! You’re making a difference. You’re working to solve community problems, such as lack of access to education or jobs, the spread of HIV/AIDS or conflict. Yet, the impact of your work does not always receive enough exposure and recognition. Participate now and have your voice heard! The World Bank and its partners invite you to participate in the International Essay Competition 2006 to share your experience and ideas on community work and participation in public life.

Choose one of the two topics:
Topic 1: How do you contribute to solving community problems?

You’re making an impact - or you have ideas - on working with your peers on important projects, such as: improving education, resolving conflict, limiting the spread of HIV/AIDS, or promoting youth employment.

1) If you have been personally involved in community work, write specifically about your experience: Who have you worked with? Who have you helped? What have you accomplished? In what way would you consider this work to be innovative? How have you measured the results of your work?

Looking ahead:
How would you improve your impact? How can other youth replicate your experience?

2) If you don’t have practical experience, write specifically about your ideas: How would you work with your peers to solve community problems?

Topic 2: How do you influence decision making?
You’ve helped influence - or you have ideas on influencing - decisions on important issues that affect your community:
1) If you have been personally involved in advocacy work, write specifically about your experience: What have you accomplished? How did you convince decision makers to listen to you? What obstacles have you overcome? How have you measured the results of your work?

Looking ahead:
How would you improve your advocacy? How can other youth adapt your ideas to become more involved in decision-making?

2) If you don’t have practical experience, write specifically about your ideas: How could youth better influence decision-making?

For more info on International Essay Competition 2006, please visit:
http://www.essaycompetition.org