Miss Environment International Seychelles 2022 launches poetry competition |12 January 2023
Theme ‘Only One Earth’ focuses on environment protection
Miss Environment International Seychelles 2022, Elsia Françoise, has officially launched a poetry competition under the theme ‘Only One Earth’, in partnership with the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts and the department of Environment.
‘Only One Earth’ was the environmental day theme for 2022 because it focused on the need to live sustainably in harmony with nature, and the possibility to shift to a greener lifestyle through both policies and individual choices.
Miss Françoise shared that she wanted to start this project to combine the two things she is most passionate about and that is the environment and poetry. By merging the two she hopes to create something that could empower the youth and push them to use their voices for good and also encourage others.
“Protecting the environment is the moral duty of every human being on this planet. It is not only about protecting the environment directly, but protecting ourselves from major loss. Earth is the only planet that supports life. Hence, we have no other alternative to survive. I stand by the statement, ‘It is Earth Day every day’. Environmental preservation is a continuous effort towards self-preservation and the fortification or our decedents’ future home,” said Miss Françoise.
The poetry competition has four categories namely for kids aged 6 to 9 years old, junior category for 10 to 13 years, intermediate which targets 14 to 17 years old and lastly adults from 18 to 35 years old.
According to criteria, the poems must be original and a person is allowed to submit a maximum of two poems. Poets may choose their own poem title or they may use the theme as the title and the poems may be written in English, Creole or French. All poems should not exceed 40 lines.
Submissions which should include name, age and contact details of the poet, must be done via email to elsiafrancoise02@gmail.com before Friday February 17, 2023 by midnight. Submissions for minors must include the name and contact details of their parents/guardians.
Miss Françoise said entries will be judged based on the use of poetic techniques, effectiveness, style and creativity.
Winners from each category will be given the opportunity to be featured in a poetry anthology and they will be rewarded in a ceremony in March this year.