Students from over 20 schools across the Canberra region put pen to paper in support of Anti-Poverty Week as part of Anglicare’s ‘Pens Against Poverty’ schools writing competition.
The initiative begun in 2015 gives school students the opportunity during Anti-Poverty Week (15-21 October) to write for a cause, use their imagination, and express their thoughts about social issues.
The competition theme was “On the Edge” and submissions were received from school students from grades 3 to 10 from over twenty schools across the Canberra region, with creative entries ranging from poems to short stories.
“We’re so pleased to see so many Canberra schools involved representing the Public, Catholic and Independent sectors,” says Jeremy Halcrow, Anglicare CEO. “With teachers and parents supporting children and young people during the competition, it helps generate conversations about helping others in need, which is the purpose of Anti-Poverty Week. Seeing the next generation develop knowledge and compassion around issues of social justice and inclusion is inspiring.”
The competition was the initiative of a local Canberra teacher and supported by a range of Canberra-based community sector organisations including Anglicare ACT, ACTCOSS, Red Cross, Marymead, YWCA Canberra, and St Vincent de Paul. Major prizes were sponsored by Gallagher Insurance and HESTA.
EVENT – Pens Against Poverty Awards Ceremony
When: Friday 19 October at 10:30am
Location: Canberra College Performing Arts Centre, 2 Launceston St, Phillip
Guest Speaker: Yvette Berry, ACT Education Minister
