Opportunities for African Students
2018 WORLD BANK AFRICA REGIONAL BLOG4DEV ESSAY COMPETITION FOR YOUNG AFRICANS AND A CHANCE TO INTERN AT A WORLD BANK AFRICA COUNTRY OFFICE
Application Deadline: November 30, 2018
Essay Question:
What will it take to enhance the skills needed to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital economy and the future of work?
Technological progress is constantly changing how we work, from automation to artificial intelligence. With these advancements, firms adopt of new ways of production, helping markets to expand, and societies to evolve.
While advances in technology can eliminate the need for some jobs, the World Development Report 2019 notes that it also paves the way for the creation of new jobs which will require a mix of skills – such as complex problem solving, teamwork and adaptability – to meet the increasing demand in the labor market. Skill building is particularly important in Sub-Saharan Africa, home to the world’s youngest population; every year for the next decade, as many as 11 million young people are expected to enter the labor market.
So, we want to hear from you! In 500 words or less, tell us how you would solve this development challenge in your country: What will it take to enhance the skills needed to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital economy and the future of work?
In 2014, the World Bank Kenya office launched the Blog4Dev competition, an annual writing contest that invites young people to weigh in on a topic critical to the country’s economic development. The competition is a way to engage Africa’s young people and provide a platform to share their views—and solutions—about development topics that are important to them.
Since then, Blog4Dev has grown to include the voices of hundreds of young people from countries throughout the region who have submitted blogs on topics such as how to end gender-based violence to debating the role of the private sector in public service delivery. The competition tests originality, creativity and innovation.
This year, for the first time, the World Bank Africa Region is hosting a regional blog competition, inviting young people from 48 countries to share their ideas for how they, and other young people, can prepare themselves for the digital economy and a technology-driven workplace.
Prizes:
Winning authors are eligible for several prizes, including a chance to intern at a World Bank Africa country office, or an opportunity to have your blog published on the World Bank Africa blog Nasikiliza.
Requirements:
- To be eligible for the #Blog4Dev contest, you must:
- Be a citizen of any of the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Be between the ages of 18 and 28 years of age
- Currently reside in a Sub-Saharan African country
Terms & Condition:
- Submissions must be original and well-written in English, French, or Portuguese
- Submission deadline is November 30, 2018. Late submissions will be disqualified automatically.
- The blog post length should be no more than 500 words. Longer entries will be disqualified.
- Only one submission per entrant will be allowed.
- The World Bank Group reserves the right to research and verify the eligibility of any entrants.
- The decision of the World Bank Group shall be deemed final.
- By entering the contest, participants agree to release the World Bank Group from any claims based on the contest and grant the World Bank Group all rights to their entry, including consent to publish their entered blog post on its website and social media channels.
- Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification from the contest. Bloggers agree to comply with and be bound by the decisions of the World Bank Group, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this competition.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your 500-word, original blog detailing your ideas about what it will take to enhance the skills needed to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital economy and the future of work, written in English, French or Portuguese by November 30, 2018.
Please note; submissions through email or post will not be accepted.
UBA GROUP CAMPUS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME 2019 FOR STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
Applications for the 2019 UBA Campus Ambassador programme are now being accepted
UBA Campus Ambassador programme offers a unique opportunity to students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and across Africa to be part of a dynamic and forward thinking Pan-African bank by representing the brand on campus. The initiative is part of the bank’s commitment to developing creativity and leadership abilities amongst young people in the continent of Africa. The programme is designed to be a learning experience and a highly rewarding pursuit for selected students, while providing them with a platform to build their leadership capabilities and showcase their diverse talents.
Requirements:
- Must be a registered, full-time undergraduate student of any tertiary institution in Nigeria and African countries where UBA operates
- Must be actively involved with student groups and influential within the campus community
- Must have established social media presence with demonstrable followership
- Should possess experience in engaging stakeholders within the school community
- Should have the ability to gather feedback and provide innovative insights
- Should be able to dedicate 3-4 hours weekly
- Must be highly professional in general conduct
- Should have a UBA account (Click here to open a UBA account if you don’t have one)
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE UBA CAMPUS AMBASSADOR ROLE
- Represent the UBA brand on campus
- Provide insights that will help UBA better understand campus requirements unique to each region
- Learn about UBA products/ services and promote their adoption within the campus
- Plan and host fun events on campus to amplify the UBA brand
- Build relationships on campus with the school authorities, faculty and student groups
- Identify trends and opportunities that UBA can leverage within the campus community
- Implement various UBA initiatives within the campus
Benefits:
- Development of Intellectual, leadership and creative skills through periodic training
- Monthly stipend
- Gift pack with UBA branded collateral
- Networking and collaboration with other ambassadors from campuses across Africa
- Career advisory, mentorship and interaction with managers in UBA
- Free tickets to UBA events
- Learn about UBA culture and career opportunities
- Inclusion of UBA campus ambassador experience in your resume
- Awards
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified students are expected to log on to www.ubagroup.com/campusambassadors and complete an online form with required personal data, and a motivation letter highlighting why they should be selected. Applications open between September and Mid-December yearly.
Other steps include:
- Follow @ubagroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube
- Create a short video describing how your skills and experiences are relevant to the role
- Upload the video on your social media page with the hash tag #UBACampusAmbassador
- Be sure to tag or mention @UBAGroup in your post. Candidates with high engagement stand a chance to be fast tracked into the application process
Apply Now for the 2019 UBA Group Campus Ambassador Programme
THE JIM OVIA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 2019 FOR YOUNG NIGERIAN STUDENTS
Application Deadline: December 26th 2018
The Jim Ovia Scholarship was founded and funded by Mr. Jim Ovia since 1998, to provide financial aid to outstanding Nigeria youths. The scholarship was previoustly known as the MUSTE scholarship. The awardees are given funding for undergraduate study for the duration of the undergraduate program. The award includes tuition and maintenance allowance. The scheme offers an average of 100 opportunities every year. The Financial records show that as at October 2010, Mr. Ovia has invested 100 Million Naira in the program on 1500 beneficiaries.
In establishing the Jim Ovia Scholarship, Mr. Ovia hoped to create a network of future leaders within Nigeria who can compete globally with their peers, bring new ideas, creativity and are committed to improving the lives and circumstances of people in their respective communities. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of personal intellectual ability, leadership capability and a desire to use their knowledge to contribute to society throughout Nigeria by providing service to their community and applying their talent and knowledge to improve the lives of others. Over time it is expected that the Jim Ovia Scholarship beneficiaries will become leaders in helping to address challenges related to health, technology, and finance, all areas in which the foundation is deeply engaged.
Goals:
- To promote access to tertiary education
- To invest in the future leaders of Nigeria
- To provide a platform that encourages competitiveness and promotes equal opportunities in workplace
- To bridge the knowledge gap among Nigerian Youth
Eligibility and Criteria:
The scholarship is open to all undergraduate University students of Nigerian citizenship. One hundred (100) awardees are selected each year from a pool of eligible applicants. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of personal intellectual ability, leadership capability and a desire to contribute to society at large to improve the lives of others.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Jim Ovia Scholarship Program 2019
ENTER FOR CARNEGIE COUNCIL STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST 2018
Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs announces its tenth annual International Essay Contest, open to students of all nationalities anywhere in the world.
Essay Submission Deadline: 31st December, 2018
Essay Topic: Is it Important to Live in a Democracy?
The essay should include a definition/explanation of the concept of democracy (written in your own words) and then explain why democracy is or is not important.
Eligibility:
All students, from high school students through graduate students, are eligible. Non-students are automatically disqualified.
Previous winners and honorable mentions are not eligible.
Essay Requirements:
- Style: Op-ed style (not academic, footnoted papers)
- Length: 1,000 to 1,500 words
- Format: Blog post on www.globalethicsnetwork.org. English language entries only.
- Limit: One entry per person.
- Essay Winners’ Prizes
- 1st prize: $300 Amazon Gift Certificate
- 2nd prize: $150 Amazon Gift Certificate
- 3rd prize: $75 Amazon Gift Certificate
- All winners also receive a copy of Ethics & International Affairs: A Reader
How to Apply:
- Join the free Global Ethics Network (GEN) website: www.globalethicsnetwork.org.
- Post your essay in the blog section and tag it with #essaycontest2018.
- Please include the following:
- Your full name.
- The name of your school.
- Indicate whether you are a teacher or a student, and at what level (high school, undergraduate, graduate).
(www.carnegiecouncil.org), established in 1914 by Andrew Carnegie, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing understanding of the relationship between ethics and international affairs.
Visit Program Webpage for Details
2019 FULLY FUNDED TO TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND: ST. GALLEN SYMPOSIUM LEADER OF TOMORROW ESSAY COMPETITION
Application Deadline: Thursday, 1 February 2019 (23:59 p.m. last time zone).
- Join the debate with 600 top global leaders and decision makers
- Share your thoughts, ideas and visions with the global elite
- Expenses for travel, board and lodging covered, travel service provided
- Meet 200 of the world’s brightest young minds
- CHF 20,000 prize money shared by the three winners
- Small and intimate gatherings with world leaders, exclusively for the Leaders of Tomorrow
- Broad media coverage
- Become member of a truly unique and strong global community
Requirements:
Form: Essay (max. 2,100 words, excl. bibliography & footnotes)
Language: English
Deadline: 1 February 2019, 11:59 p.m. last time zone (UTC-12)
Anonymity: Your name must not be mentioned anywhere in the contribution file
Individuality: Individual work expected, no group work allowed. The essay must be written exclusively for this contest. The idea must be the author’s own.
Citation: All sources must be cited and referred to the respective part in the essay. All contributions will be tested for plagiarism.
Essay Question:
Is it as good as it gets? – What approach would you suggest to change the current purpose of capital?
Political volatility, environmental issues, precarious labour markets, technological monopolies, managerial and investment short-termism are only a few challenges we face. The time has come to counter excessive short-termism and start doing business as unusual. Think about the status quo and its implications. What would be an idea to change it? Develop projects or actions you would trust in to bring new and expanded purposes to capital and aim for a long-term positive impact. In your essay you should consider how the use of capital (financial, human, social,…) can solve complex challenges and address substantial changes, be it by individuals, civil society, businesses or governments. Your idea must inspire leaders worldwide to take on responsibility and put it into practice. Be bold and develop a truly impactful concept to win our prestigious award.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, you must fulfil all of the following criteria:
- Enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate program (master level or higher) in any field of study at a regular university
- Born in 1989 or later
Benefits:
If the jury selects your essay in the top 100, you qualify as a Leader of Tomorrow for an expenses-paid participation in the 49th St. Gallen Symposium (8–10 May 2019). The results will be announced via e-mail by mid-March 2019. The jury selects the three awardees based on the quality of the idea on paper. The award is endowed with a total prize money of CHF 20,000. In addition, there will be a chance for the very best competitors (including the awardees) to present their ideas on the big stage at the symposium. For this, the students will be asked to pitch their idea on video beforehand.
Application Procedure:
Make sure you can provide the following documents:
- Copy of passport or other identification (in English for non-Roman languages)
- Confirmation of matriculation/enrolment from your university which proves your enrollment in a graduate/postgraduate level programme as of 1 February 2019 (download sample document here)
- Your contribution file with no indication of your name in the file name, the file metadata or the file itself
- E-Mail: ISC-Team at award@symposium.org.
2019 QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION FOR YOUNG WRITERS FROM COMMONWEALTH NATIONS
Application Deadline: May 1st 2019
The Royal Commonwealth Society is pleased to announce the theme for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019 – A Connected Commonwealth.
Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future, this year’s topics ask young writers to explore the shared values, interests and experiences across the network, and how they can use this to make positive change. It calls on young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the cast and varied links between citizens.
For 2019, we want to hear from all young people, regardless of schooling, education or region. All stories and voices are important.
The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under and runs from Monday 5 November until 1 June 2019. All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.
Topics:
SENIOR CATEGORY
Born between 2 June 2000 and 1 June 2005 (14-18 years of age)
‘You are the most optimistic, connected generation the world has ever known.’ HRH The Duke of Sussex. How can you use Commonwealth connections for positive change?
Connected by the oceans; can we work together to protect the environment?
‘We are all now connected by the Internet’ – Stephen Hawking. What does the future hold for humankind?
Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth. What are the opportunities for shared, sustainable growth?
JUNIOR CATEGORY
Born on or after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age)
My cultural connections.
An overseas visitor is coming to your town for the first time. How would you connect with them?
A place I feel connected to.
The Commonwealth connects people across borders – what can we learn from our neighbours?
Judges described entries to the competition in 2018 as ‘‘fantastically imaginative’, ‘hopeful’, ‘quite exceptional’ and ‘passionate’. We expect a similarly high calibre of writing for 2019.
Guideline:
- Entries will be disqualified if they fail to meet any of the following requirements:
- The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of the Maldives and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries whose entries are submitted through their local RCS branch are also eligible.
- Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st June 2019. Senior entrants must be born between 2nd June 2000 and 1st June 2005 (14-18) and Junior entrants must be born after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age).
- The maximum word counts are 1,500 words for Senior entries and 750 words for Junior entries. These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.
- Entries must be written in English.
- Only one entry per participant is allowed. Once an essay is submitted, students/teachers will not have the opportunity to revise it. Please carefully check and improve your writing before submitting the final copy, and also ensure that all supplementary information is filled in correctly (name, contact details, topic number, etc.)
- Plagiarism is not accepted in the competition. Every year a number of students are disqualified because they are suspected of plagiarism.
Timeline:
- All online entries must be submitted before midnight (GMT) on 1st June 2019; any offline entries must arrive at RCS London by 1st May 2019
- Having trouble submitting your essay? Contact competitions@thercs.org
How to Submit:
Offline submissions are very difficult to process and can mean that your entry arrives after the Competition closing date. We will only accept an offline entry where the person submitting has no access to internet and is unable to submit online.
If you are submitting your entry by post, please complete an entry form in block capitals and attach it to the front of your essay. Entries should be sent to your nearest postal hub, details of which are listed below.
Please note that for postal entries, your essay must be received by 1 May 2019 in order to be eligible. We therefore suggest that you send your essay with plenty of time for delivery, as essays received by a postal hub after 1 May will not be considered in the competition.
Europe
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
The Royal Commonwealth Society
Commonwealth House
55-58 Pall Mall
London
SW1Y 5JH
UK
Africa
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
British High Commission
Julius Nyerere Links
PO Box 296
Accra
Ghana
Americas and the Caribbean
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
The Royal Commonwealth Society
P.O. Box 878
Bridgetown
Barbados
Asia
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
Education Department
British Council
30 Napier Road
Singapore 258509
Pacific
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
PO Box 10-741
Wellington 6143
New Zealand
Please ensure your envelope is clearly labelled with ‘The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition’.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019
THE WELLCOME SANGER INSTITUTE PRIZE COMPETITION 2019 FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS FROM LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES (FULLY FUNDED)
November 9, 2018
Application Deadline: 5pm UK GMT, 21st December 2018.
The Sanger Institute Prize is an outreach competition for undergraduate students from low- and middle-income countries and gives the winner an opportunity to experience the very cutting edge of genomic research.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
- Be from a low- or middle-income country (a full list of eligible countries is available below)
- Be studying at a University/Institute in a low-/middle-income country
- Demonstrate an active interest in research in the genomics field
- Have a good command of English
Benefits:
The winner of the Sanger Institute Prize will be offered a three-month internship with a research group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute during 2019. Travel, living and research expenses are all covered by the award.
The 2019 competition will be run as a two-stage process.
Stage one: expression of interest
First stage applicants are asked to complete a short application form and write an expression of interest detailing their scientific interests and why they want to come to the Sanger Institute. Two academic references are also required at this stage.
Stage two: essay
Selected candidates will then be asked to take part in stage two of the process, which is to write an essay with a given title. The judges’ decision will be final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
Culled from OFA website