The Western Cape Education Department’s #BackOnTrack school library competition aims to inspire students to re-engage with their school libraries and emphasize the significance of these knowledge centers in resuming education after the pandemic. The contest consists of two categories, poetry and poster/drawing, with a total prize money of R300,000. The competition promotes academic growth and cultivates well-rounded individuals who appreciate the joys of reading, learning, and self-expression. The initiative is a testament to the enduring power of libraries as vital repositories of knowledge and learning.
How does the #BackOnTrack school library contest aim to promote learning and reading among students?
The #BackOnTrack school library competition initiated by the Western Cape Education Department seeks to reignite the passion for learning and reading among young minds. The contest encourages students to reengage with their school libraries and emphasizes the significance of these knowledge centers in resuming their education after the pandemic. The competition consists of two categories- poetry and poster/drawing, and participants must address how school libraries assist students in getting #BackOnTrack following the Covid-19 pandemic, and how having a school library would benefit students in resuming their education. With a total prize money of R300,000, the competition aims to promote academic growth and cultivate well-rounded individuals who appreciate the joys of reading, learning, and self-expression.
Igniting the Love for Learning and Reading
In today’s world filled with digital distractions, reigniting the passion for learning and reading in young minds is essential. The Western Cape Education Department acknowledges this and has initiated the #BackOnTrack school library competition to observe International School Library Month in October. Supported by Education Library and Information Services (EDULIS), the contest seeks to inspire students to reengage with their school libraries and emphasize the significance of these knowledge centers in resuming their education after the pandemic.
The #BackOnTrack competition is based on the idea that school libraries play a critical role in nurturing reading and writing skills, which are crucial for academic achievement and life beyond school. By offering access to a wide range of library resources, these spaces can substantially improve learning outcomes and assist students in overcoming the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Contest Details and Prizes
This year’s contest consists of two categories: a poetry competition for Grades 4 to 12 and a poster/drawing contest for Grades 1 to 3 and special schools. Participants must address the following questions in their submissions:
- How do school libraries assist students in getting #BackOnTrack following the Covid-19 pandemic?
- If a school library is absent, how would having one help students get #BackOnTrack?
- How would winning school library resources benefit your school?
These questions not only encourage students to contemplate the critical role of school libraries but also inspire them to envision the positive impact that additional resources could have on their schools.
The total prize money for the competition is an impressive R300,000, distributed as follows:
- For the poetry contest, three secondary schools will each receive R30,000 for winning entries in English, Afrikaans, and IsiXhosa, while three primary schools will each receive R30,000 for winning entries in English, Afrikaans, and IsiXhosa.
- For the poster/drawing contest, three primary schools (Gr 1-3) will each receive R30,000 for winning entries in English, Afrikaans, and IsiXhosa, and one special school will receive R30,000 for a winning entry.
With such enticing prizes, students are urged to discuss the competition with their schools and submit their entries before the deadline on Wednesday, 13 December 2023.
The Importance of Libraries in Education and Personal Growth
The #BackOnTrack competition goes beyond an opportunity for schools to win library resources; it’s a platform for students to express their thoughts and feelings about the role of school libraries in their educational journey. More importantly, it serves as a reminder of the timeless value that libraries hold in cultivating a love for learning and equipping young minds with the tools and knowledge they need to flourish.
In a world dominated by screens and devices, the #BackOnTrack competition is a revitalizing initiative that reignites the essence of learning in its purest form. By emphasizing the significance of school libraries and offering students a creative outlet to express their thoughts, the contest not only promotes academic growth but also cultivates well-rounded individuals who appreciate the joys of reading, learning, and self-expression.
The Western Cape Education Department’s #BackOnTrack competition is a testament to the enduring power of libraries as vital repositories of knowledge and learning. Through this initiative, schools and students alike are encouraged to recognize the importance of school libraries in their lives and renew their commitment to utilizing the wealth of resources that these institutions offer. As the competition progresses, the artistic talents and literary skills of the participants are sure to inspire a renewed appreciation for the crucial role that school libraries play in molding young minds and instilling a lifelong love for learning.
To view the remarkable works of last year’s winners, visit the Western Cape Government’s website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/gc-news/408/59426
What is the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
The #BackOnTrack school library contest is an initiative by the Western Cape Education Department to inspire students to re-engage with their school libraries and emphasize the significance of these knowledge centers in resuming education after the pandemic. The contest consists of two categories, poetry and poster/drawing, with a total prize money of R300,000.
Who can participate in the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
Students from Grades 1 to 12 in primary and secondary schools in the Western Cape province can participate in the #BackOnTrack school library contest.
What are the categories for the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
The #BackOnTrack school library contest consists of two categories – poetry competition for Grades 4 to 12 and a poster/drawing contest for Grades 1 to 3 and special schools.
What is the deadline to submit entries for the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
The deadline to submit entries for the #BackOnTrack school library contest is Wednesday, 13 December 2023.
What are the questions that need to be addressed in the submissions for the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
Participants must address the following questions in their submissions:
– How do school libraries assist students in getting #BackOnTrack following the Covid-19 pandemic?
– If a school library is absent, how would having one help students get #BackOnTrack?
– How would winning school library resources benefit your school?
What are the prizes for the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
The total prize money for the competition is R300,000, distributed among the winners as follows:
– For the poetry contest, three secondary schools and three primary schools will each receive R30,000 for winning entries in English, Afrikaans, and IsiXhosa.
– For the poster/drawing contest, three primary schools (Gr 1-3) will each receive R30,000 for winning entries in English, Afrikaans, and IsiXhosa, and one special school will receive R30,000 for a winning entry.
What is the significance of school libraries in the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
The #BackOnTrack school library contest emphasizes the significance of school libraries in promoting learning and reading among students. School libraries play a critical role in nurturing reading and writing skills, which are crucial for academic achievement and life beyond school. By offering access to a wide range of library resources, these spaces can substantially improve learning outcomes and assist students in overcoming the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
What is the objective of the #BackOnTrack school library contest?
The #BackOnTrack school library contest aims to promote academic growth and cultivate well-rounded individuals who appreciate the joys of reading, learning, and self-expression. It encourages students to re-engage with their school libraries and emphasizes the significance of these knowledge centers in resuming their education after the pandemic.
