Call for Entries
Introduction
Books shape children’s imaginations, dreams, and worldviews. African children need books that reflect their socio-cultural environment, history, and lived experiences to foster a sense of identity and belonging. The SBLP 2025 is a call to action- to amplify the unique African narrative while ensuring that no child is left outside the boundaries of imagination, cultivating a literary culture that strengthens confidence, curiosity, and heritage.
Themes
Adaptations of African myths & Folktales
Writers are invited to submit stories that reimagine traditional Ghanaian myths, folktales, and legends, passing down cultural wisdom in ways that resonate with children of the 21st century. Writers are encouraged to explore tales across diverse ethnic groups.
Traditional Symbols
Symbols convey different narratives; proverbs, maxims and history of those they represent. Writers are invited to submit stories that introduce children to traditional symbols, their meanings, and significance in everyday life. Entrants are encouraged to explore symbols across the diverse groups in Ghana.
Environment and Climate Action
Climate change affects everyone; however, children will face its most significant impact in the near future. They need to be empowered to drive meaningful change in their schools and communities. We are interested in stories that explore environmental conservation, teaching children the importance of protecting their natural resources. Stories can highlight the importance of preserving African forests, wildlife, and natural resources.
African Heroes and Heroines
Entries can feature stories of heroes and heroines as role models. Encouraging children to overcome fears, try new things, and develop resilience while learning about values like kindness and respect.
Notes
- Stories must be for children within the ages of 9 and 15
- Stories must be relatable and engaging, using every day Ghanaian settings and characters that children can identify with.
- Language must simple and accessible, using clear, concise storytelling that is easy for children to follow.
Entry Categories
- Short Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Poetry
Rules of Entry
- Entrant must be a citizen of Ghana living in Ghana
- The prize is for young unpublished writers. (For this prize, an unpublished writer is someone who has not authored a book)
- Writers must be between 15 and 30 years at the time of submission
- Previous SBLP entrants are eligible.
- Only one entry per writer is allowed.
- Poetry submissions can feature up to 3 poems.
- Language of submission is English.
- Entries should not be more than 1500 words
- Only the title of the story should be in the document, no names should be written in the submission.
- Entries must be original and unpublished
- Entries must be submitted online
Formatting Rules
- The first page should have the title and word count only
- Formatting must be Times New Roman, Font size 12 and 2.0 spacing.
- Text should be justified
- Page numbers should be indicated on each page
- File format must be doc. Or docx (Microsoft Word)
Submission
- Submission Deadline: 15th July 2025
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For Enquiries:
Please direct any questions to sblp@sbawumia.org or call 0533603835.
