Emirates Post Group Opens Submissions for the 2021 National Letter-Writing Competition for Young Writers

The winner will represent the UAE in the UPU’s International Letter-Writing competition, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year

United Arab Emirates -  February 11, 2021:   Emirates Post Group is calling on UAE’s talented, young writers to submit entries for the International Letter-Writing Competition. The competition, organised by the Universal Postal Union, of which Emirates Post Group is a member, encourages students from the ages of 9 to 15 years old to express their creativity and refine their language skills, through the art of letter writing. Submissions will be accepted in both Arabic and English via a dedicated webpage until April 1 , 2021. 

The International Letter-Writing competition, will feature the theme: “Write a letter to a family member about your experience of Covid-19", reflecting how children have dealt with the pandemic and how they overcame any challenges. The competition will support over a million children develop their writing skills, deepen their understanding of the postal service industry, and highlight the pivotal role it plays in connecting family, friends, and colleagues around the world. 

“The Covid-19 pandemic has had an overwhelming impact on our youth, having to abstain from attending school and social gatherings, which are crucial to their development." commented Obaid M. Al Qatami, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Emirates Post Group. “The National Letter-Writing Competition represents an opportunity for students across the UAE to share their story and express their thoughts regarding the past year, how they coped with learning online and with addressing precautionary measures, through the art of writing. Emirates Post Group is delighted to support the UPU’s incredible initiative, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as it raises awareness on the importance of literacy amongst the youth in the region.”

Due to the current conditions, students this year will need to present their submissions virtually, through the dedicated webpage: https://epg.ae/Letter-Competition  All submissions need to strictly adhere to the theme and contain a minimum 500 and a maximum 800 words. 

Submissions will be reviewed by an external committee of distinguished writers and professionals from the literary world, who will select the top three winners based on set criteria such as  the structure of the letter, use of language and creativity, and adherence to the theme. The winning entry at the national competition will be submitted to the UPU and will represent the UAE in the international competition. The three winners, to be announced on World Post Day (9 October), will also receive certificates and cash prizes. 

Throughout the competition, Emirates Post Group will host online sessions, in collaboration with schools across the country, on the best practices to write a letter. The sessions will provide applicants with the necessary guidance to ensure the letter takes the reader on a journey and the messages are communicated clearly, ensuring a strong submission.