Europe Day Celebrations in Mogadishu Mark the Launch of the Silsiladda Deegaanka Poetry Competition

Mogadishu, 9th of May 2024- As part of the Europe Day celebrations in Mogadishu, the European Union Delegation in Somalia proudly announces the launch of the Annual Silsiladda Deegaanka Poetry Competition, aimed at fostering nationwide dialogue on pressing national and global issues.

The Silsiladda Deegaanka Poetry Competition seeks to harness the rich tradition of Somali poetry to inspire conversations and actions addressing climate change and environmental sustainability. Poets from across Somalia are invited to participate by submitting 2-minute videos capturing poetic dialogues on innovative green solutions and community resilience.

Launching the competition on Europe Day, the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Ms Karin Johansson, stated: "Climate change is a global problem that requires collective action. The Silsiladda Deegaanka Poetry Competition represents a unique opportunity for Somali poets to showcase their creativity and contribute to meaningful discussions on climate change mitigation and resilience. The European Union is deeply committed to working with Somalia in addressing this challenge together."

Europe Day, held annually on 9^th of May, commemorates the Schuman Declaration, the foundational document of the EU signed on 9^th of May, 1950. This declaration laid the groundwork for European cooperation and peace.

Additional Information:

The competition commences with the Europe Day celebrations in Mogadishu and runs until May 29th, 2024. Submissions will undergo evaluation by independent judges, with top entries showcased and awarded prizes. For more information and submission guidelines, participants are encouraged to visit the EU Delegation website or connect via our social media platforms.

ANNEX: Silsiladda Deegaanka Poetry Competition Guide

Submission Details

• Mode of Submission: Entries should be submitted via email to [email protected]
• Submission Deadline: The deadline for submission is May 29th, 2024 (12 am Mogadishu time zone).

Theme

• "Green Solutions & Resilience". We encourage you to explore topics related to environmental sustainability, climate change, innovative solutions and community resilience in Somalia.

Competition Format

• Each submission should consist of a 2-minute video capturing a poetic dialogue between two individuals.
• The dialogue should be presented in a poetic format, reflecting creativity.
• Participants are encouraged to be as creative and innovative as possible and can incorporate fictional characters or scenarios to convey their message effectively.
• The video should be in Somali language.

Content Guidelines

• Environmental Awareness: Poets should raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and finding solutions to environmental challenges such as waste management, droughts, floods.
• Innovative Solutions: Participants are encouraged to showcase creative approaches to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability, such as renewable energy sources, green technologies, and sustainable practices.
• Community Resilience: Poems should celebrate the resilience of communities facing environmental challenges and highlight the power of innovation in overcoming adversity. Participants can share stories of community initiatives and solutions.
• Hope and Inspiration: Submissions should offer messages of hope and inspiration, envisioning a brighter future where innovative solutions lead to positive change.

Submission Rules:

1. Each duo can submit only one entry.

1. Submissions must adhere to the specified format and duration (2 minutes).

1. Videos must be original works and not infringe upon any copyright or intellectual property rights.

1. Participants must include their name(s), contact information, and a brief description of their video in the email submission.

1. By submitting an entry, participants agree to grant the competition organizers the right to use and showcase their video for promotional purposes.

1. The videos will be submitted to an independent judging panel, who will choose an initial five finalists from the pool of applicants. The videos will then be posted on EU social media channels.

1. After the judges initially select the top five poems, these entries will be subject to a public vote via social media. The poem with the most likes will be declared the winner.

1. The poem should not contain offensive, derogatory, immoral, or profane language, or any other inappropriate content.

1. Poems must be the original work of the contestant and agreed for broadcast on media and on social media platforms.

Judging Criteria

• Language quality, creativity and originality (25%)
• Relevance to the Theme (25%)
• Poetic Expression and Artistic Merit (25%)
• Impact and Inspirational Value (25%)

Prizes

• The winning pair will receive a prize value of US$1,500, and their winning poem will be aired on major TV and radio stations.
• The first and second runner-up pairs will be awarded prize values of US$1,000 and US$500 respectively.

Announcement of Winners

• Winners will be announced 1^st July 2024
• Winners will be announced via EU website and social media platforms.
• The winning entries will be featured in promotional materials and may be shared with media outlets (radio and TV) for wider dissemination.

Additional Information

• For any inquiries or assistance, participants can contact the competition organizers at [email protected].
• Detailed information about the competition, including eligibility criteria and submission rules, can be found on the EU's website.

We encourage all participants to review the competition guidelines carefully and ensure their submissions comply with the specified rules and requirements.

Good luck to all participants!

The press release and the Poetry competition submission and selection criteria in Somali

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