Unleash your creativity: enter the annual Young Writers’ Competition 2026
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South African schoolchildren aged 6 to 18 are encouraged to take flight with their imaginations in the eagerly anticipated annual Kingsmead Young Writers’ Competition (YWC) 2026. Now in its fifth year, this inspiring initiative invites young voices nationwide to spin tales that are truly "Out Of This World".
Launched in 2022 by Kingsmead College, as part of the annual Kingsmead Book Fair. The Young Writers’ Competition aims to ignite a passion for reading and writing among students across South Africa. As a leading girls' school in Johannesburg, Kingsmead College is committed to addressing the reading crisis facing the nation by providing a platform for budding writers to showcase their creative talents. Last year, the competition saw a whopping 813 entries, a testament to its growing popularity.
“Storytelling is at the heart of human experience, promoting empathy, connection, and understanding,” said Corinne Rosmarin, the organiser of the YWC. She points out that creative writing is not just about putting words on a page; it ignites the imagination and encourages children to put down their screens, dive into creativity, and express themselves.
“When you write a story you also build skills like planning and problem-solving, which further develop a flexible and open mindset.”
As the World Economic Forum highlighted, creative thinking skills rank as a top priority for future employers. In an age dominated by Artificial Intelligence, the necessity for uniquely human creativity is more pronounced than ever. Writing serves as an emotional outlet, offering young individuals the chance to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of the world around them.
Rosmarin urges prospective participants, "Read short stories and observe how to captivate the reader from start to finish." Avoid clichés and let your imagination run wild. Your narrative could weave a cosmic adventure, depict a powerful inner journey, or even serve as an ode to the future. Don’t feel constrained by the literal understanding of topics; let creativity lead the way." The competition not only nurtures individual talent but also fosters a community spirit, connecting students through their shared love of storytelling.
As entries pour in from every corner of the country, the YWC 2026 promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent and imagination, inviting the youth of South Africa to transform their ideas into extraordinary tales that could resonate far beyond the pages they are written on.