© UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announces the launch of its 25th annual National Student Contest in Greece. The theme for the school year 2021-2022 is “Education cannot wait!”.
UNHCR’s National Student Contest which focuses on refugee issues, has been held since 1994. It includes all students across the country, attending primary (kindergarten, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade) and secondary (1st, 2nd, 3rd Junior High grades and 1st grade of High School) education, including refugee students of the same age groups attending reception classes and non-formal education centres. The contest will be carried out electronically, starting in late October 2021 until 21 January 2022.
Education has the power to transform people, change lives, and open up new paths. Through the joint experience of the pandemic which has greatly impacted the lives of people around the world, we saw what it means for children to be deprived, even temporarily, of their daily school life. The consequences of a lack of and unequal access to education on whole societies were evident.
Without access to school, the future of entire generations is at risk. In refugee hosting communities and countries, access to the formal education system is the most direct and effective pathway to inclusion and integration, not only for displaced children, but for their families as well. It is an essential element of the oftentimes long and challenging process of integration in a new country. Education can help unlock skills, talents, dreams, and new perspectives.
UNHCR’s 25th Student Contest calls on students to create an information and awareness raising campaign around the theme of education. Children are encouraged to reflect, discuss, exchange views, plan, and claim for themselves their right to education. Their proposal for a public campaign should focus on equal access of all children, including refugees, to school.
All entries should include a key message, proposed target audiences and communication channels, as well as the basic content of the campaign. It could include one or a combination of the following: a TV spot/video, a radio spot, a poster, a printed or electronic advertisement, an outdoor advertisement, or an activity in the neighbourhood.
Entries can be submitted online until 21 January 2022 by teachers, school principals, parents, guardians or caregivers on the following web page: www.unhcr.org/gr/student-contest-2021. Group entries submitted by students are encouraged. Individual entries are also welcome.
Entries will be evaluated by a Committee consisting of representatives of: UNICEF, the Network for Children’s Rights, the Panhellenic Association of Arts Teachers, the Panhellenic Association of Literature Teachers, the Hellenic Theatre/Drama and Education Network, and UNHCR.
The best campaign will be brought to life through the communication channels of UNHCR, and other suggested channels. Moreover, the Committee will grant one award per grade. Students that excel will receive symbolic gifts from UNHCR. All participants will be given electronic commemorative diplomas for their participation in the Contest.
For more information about the rules and conditions of participation in the contest, please have a look here.
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