C’wealth combats ageism with essay contest

The Commonwealth is launching an essay contest to help challenge perceptions about ageism in Commonwealth countries. CommonAge collation of life stories told by older people to young people living in the Commonwealth in 2017 requires that interested participants between ages 15 and 24 spend time with a person who is 80 years or older in […]

The Commonwealth is launching an essay contest to help challenge perceptions about ageism in Commonwealth countries.

CommonAge collation of life stories told by older people to young people living in the Commonwealth in 2017 requires that interested participants between ages 15 and 24 spend time with a person who is 80 years or older in order to learn their story, which they can then write and submit for a chance to win £100 and publication in an anthology. 

“With the aim of connecting all ages across the Commonwealth, combating ageism and recording stories for generations to come, we are inviting young people living in Commonwealth countries to spend time with an older person and write that person’s life story,” a statement on the contest website said. “Ideally the older person will be in their 80s, or in some cases will be the oldest person living in their community or village.”

Essays submitted will be considered for inclusion in a special book, which will be published in June 2018 to celebrate ageing in the Commonwealth and Her Majesty The Queen of England’s 65 years as Head of the Commonwealth with the five best essays awarded the special prizes.

Entry details, and guidelines for the competition which closes on January 12, 2018, are available at www.commage.org/2017-story-telling-project/