This year, Paradigm Initiative is celebrating its 15th anniversary in a dual event that will bring together partners, Friends of PIN, alumni, volunteers, PIN team members, and digital rights and inclusion stakeholders. These events are PIN@15 in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 23rd, 2022, to commemorate PIN’s milestone, and PIN Festival (PINFest) in Harare, Zimbabwe, from October 10th to 14th, 2022.
As part of activities to commemorate this day, Paradigm Initiative is organising an Essay/Debate Competition for young and outstanding African youth between 18-25 years with passion and drive for digital rights and inclusion in the continent who want to make their voices heard.
This is an excellent opportunity for you. Read the competition procedures carefully, and CLICK HERE to apply.
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2022
Age Limit: 18 – 25 years
1st Round:
– Argumentative Essay: Share an essay of not more than 1500 words on the topic: Are the Social and cultural norms in Africa impeding the realization of digital rights and inclusion ?.
– In the essay, take a stand for either FOR or AGAINST.
2nd Round:
– A total of 8 candidates will be selected and divided into two groups of 4 each ( FOR and AGAINST ) to prepare for the virtual debate via zoom on Thursday, July 20th, 2022.
– Debate winners will be announced during PIN Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022.
– 4 outstanding candidates will be selected, two from each team, to compete at the grand finale.
3rd Round / Finale
– The debate finalists will win an all-expenses paid trip to Zimbabwe and a laptop set at the PIN Festival slated on October 10th – 14th.
CLICK HERE to apply Now.
41 Responses
Is the competition for all Africans?
Yes, it is for all Africans.
What are the formats required for the Essay entry?
Kindly go through the process of application. The format on how to apply is embedded.
Where this competition will be held?.
Hello Bangura, The first and second rounds of the competition would be held virtually. However, the final round would be held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
I could only see the word count.
Is there a required font size, font style, line spacing?
Dear Raphael, you can use any font size, style, spacing or colour you prefer. We are keen on the content of submission. Thank you
Quel sont les langues éligibles à la rédaction de cette Essai?
Bonjour Mike, nous acceptons les essais en français et en anglais.
Which languages are eligible for the redaction of the essay?
Hello Mike, we are accepting essays in both French and English.
Does the footnotes and references counts in the word count?
Hello Bello, The footnotes and references do not count as part of the required word count.
It’s a good initiative
Thank you Modou.
Are Southern Sudanese also allowed?
Yes Diew, essays are welcome from all Africans currently residing in Africa.
Thanks to PIN for this decentralized competition, I must admit it’s timely per the way digital rights are being looked at in our African setting.
I wish you a happy pre-anniversary from Liberia.
Thank you for your good wishes, Steve. Cheers!
Can we submit the essay in PDF format?
Hello Confidence, You’re welcome to send in your essay in PDF.
A total of how many candidates is required as finalists?
Hello Mhoja, The final round would consist of 4 debaters with the highest scores from the previous round.
What type of referencing style is to be used?
Hello Gomolemo, Please, feel free to use whatever referencing style you’re most comfortable with.
Is it allowed if we submit exactly at the closing date like 30th ? Tomorrow?
Yes, you can submit your essay on but not later than the 30th of June 2022.
Against the motion
Hello Sesay, You can send in your essay here. Thank you
Hello, PIN.
Please I missed the initial deadline for submission. Can I still apply for the competition?
Can I still submit my entry for the competition, please?
Hello Felix, the timeline for essay submission has now closed.
Hello @PIN
When will the announcement for the first round (of 8 persons)be done?
Hello Martha, The announcement would be made before or on Friday, 15th July 2022. You can keep an eye out on our social media channels.
Hello, will all successful applicants be announced on a public platform or by personal communication? Or both?
We will contact all applicants, informing them of the next steps.
How do we know that the qualifiers for the second round has being picked
Hello Christiana, we will reach out to all who participated, informing them of the next step.
The time reach of the announcement, plz can we see the results. If its possible now .
Please I have lost my phone and access to my mail
Please how will I be able to get information?
When will the information be sent across?