Mu Sigma Phi, the first medical sorority in the Philippines and Asia, is calling for entries for the Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan, a multi-awarded nationwide storybook writing competition with health as its main theme. The competition “challenges participants to break away from a clinical, straightforward and sanitized presentation of health and to mold it in a form that is enjoyable and of interest for its young audience.”
The winning stories for the project are reproduced incolorful and engaging (and bilingual!) storybooks on health for underprivileged children and families. These books not only spread awareness about relevant health issues; they also advocate literacy and education and celebrate Filipino ingenuity and culture.
Launched in 2009, Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan has already distributed over 2000 books to families nationwide (check out the Year 1 winners!). This year marks the second leg of Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan, in partnership with AHON Foundation, Child Hope Asia – Philippines, SAFE Kids and Kids Foundation.
This year’s theme is “Luksong Tinik: Kwentong Kaligtasan para sa Kabataan,” an advocacy for creating safe and caring environments for children. Hence, entries to the competition must address issues of child safety in any of the following categories:
a. Safety in the Home
b. Safety in Public Places
c. Safety on the Road
d. Safety in Cyberspace and Media
e. Safety in School
f. Safety in Natural Calamities
g. Safety in Armed Conflict
The top stories will be picked by an esteemed panel of judges. Mu Sigma Phi is will award 7 short stories, each with Php25,000.00 in cash, a trophy and a publishing deal.
Entries will be accepted until May 15. See mechanics in the poster below, or head over to the official site.
Wonderful idea, don’t you think? Send in those stories to Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan! :)