Cameroon’s Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt, has urged the newly appointed jury members of the 2024 National Writing Competition for Young People to discover talented writers who will enrich the country’s literary heritage. Speaking at the official installation of the jury in Yaoundé on October 18, 2024, Minister Mkpatt emphasized the importance of representing Cameroon’s aspiring young writers, who will bring laurels to the country.
Evaluation Criteria
The jury will assess submissions in two artistic categories:
– Short story
– Poetry
These submissions will be in both English and French, Cameroon’s official languages, and will come from all ten regions of the country. Young writers aged 16 to 35 will showcase their talents, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.
Jury Members
The jury comprises:
– President: Pr. Ndzue Abena Pierre Célestin (Ombete Bella)
– Members:
– Dr. Tifuh Awah
– Pr. Ngong Kum Eunice
– Mr. Olama Aristide
– Mr. Lobe Richard
– Ms. Nguionza Sidoine Vania
– Ms. Aboyoyo Aboyoyo Anne R.
– Rapporteurs:
– Dr. Kampoer Kampoer
– Ms. Essanguia Eteki Charlotte
This year’s theme is “Literary Creativity and Import Substitution.” Minister Mkpatt stressed that the jury should prioritize rigor and ethics, without favoritism or preferential treatment, and expects quality texts within 15 days.
The competition aims to promote young Cameroonian writers and their contributions to the country’s literary landscape.
Che Tembuck