Nyangu Learning Centre
Writing Competition
My Story, My Voice is a free national writing competition for primary school children (Grades 1–6) who want to share their stories, spark their imagination, and feel proud of their creativity.
Everything You Need to Know
Who Can Enter?
Children in Grades 1–6 (all schools and learners welcome).
What's the Task?
Write an original story (told in the child's voice) within the word limits for their age group.
✨ Important
- We don't judge spelling, grammar, or punctuation — we celebrate ideas, creativity, and expression.
- Parents may help with typing only; the story must be the child's own.
Important Dates
Registration Opens: March 1, 2026
Submission Opens: April 1, 2026
Submission Deadline: May 30, 2026
Nyangu Writing Competition Grand Finale: July 31, 2026
Theme of the Year: My Story, My Voice
Every child has a story that deserves to be heard.
This year, the Nyangu Writing Competition celebrates the voices, ideas, dreams, and imaginations of children across Eswatini through our 2026 theme: "My Story, My Voice"
This theme invites learners to write stories that reflect their world, their imagination, their identity, and the things only they can express. Whether it's a moment they lived, a dream they had, or an adventure they imagined — their voice is the hero this year.
What "My Story, My Voice" Means for Students
Your story does not need to be perfect. It needs to be yours.
This theme encourages learners to:
- Share personal experiences
- Create imaginative adventures rooted in their feelings or ideas
- Explore their identity, culture, dreams, and challenges
- Write stories with heart, honesty, and creativity
- Express themselves freely — in their own words
Whether your child is shy, confident, quiet, or bubbly, their voice matters.
What Kind of Stories Can Students Write?
✔ Personal Stories
Moments from their life — funny, exciting, sad, or meaningful.
✔ Imaginative Stories
Adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, or magical stories inspired by their personality.
✔ Stories About Friendship, Courage, Family, or Dreams
Stories that show their values and identity.
✔ Stories Where the Main Character Feels Like "Me"
Even if fictional, the heart of the story can still be personal.
Examples to Help Students Understand the Theme
Ages 7–9 (Lower Primary)
Children can keep it simple:
- One character
- One problem
- One solution
- Clear feelings
Example ideas:
- "The Day I Got Lost at the Market"
- "My Brave Moment at School"
- "The Talking Cat That Sounds Like Me"
Ages 10–12 (Upper Primary)
Older learners can explore deeper themes:
- Friendship
- Courage
- Respect
- Identity
- Imagination
Example ideas:
- "A Voice They Never Heard Before"
- "The Secret That Changed My Life"
- "A World Where Everyone Is the Same Except Me"
How Teachers & Parents Can Support the Theme
You don't need to be a writing expert. Just encourage students to:
- Be themselves
- Use their own ideas
- Write honestly
- Enjoy the process
- Finish the story with a clear beginning, middle, and end
The goal is expression, not perfection.
Why This Theme Matters
"My Story, My Voice" empowers children to:
- Build confidence in writing
- Develop language and communication skills
- Share their unique perspective
- Feel heard and valued
- Strengthen imagination and creativity
When a child writes their story in their own voice, they learn that their words carry power.
Ready to Enter?
We're Almost There!
Entries for the My Story, My Voice Writing Competition open on April 1st — but early registrants get:
- ✔ Priority reminders
- ✔ A chance to win monthly practice challenges
- ✔ Early access to competition information and writing tips
Enter your email and register your child or school so you don't miss out on important updates
Time Until Entry Deadline
What Are the Prizes?
We celebrate excellence and participation with prizes that inspire lifelong readers and writers:
For Finalists
Finalists (selected from all entries) will be invited to our Final Celebration Event.
Category Winners Receive
- Book bundles
- Illustrated versions of their stories
- Recognition on our website and social channels
- Feature video reading of their story
For Every Entrant
Certificates of Participation for every entrant, promoted on our platforms. Stories may also be featured in a Nyangu Story Collection shared with our community.
What to Expect from the Writing Competition Final
Finalists and their families are invited to a celebratory event where:
📖 Shortlisted stories are read aloud
🏆 Winners are announced in each age category
⭐ Children are celebrated as storytellers
📹 Stories may be recorded or showcased on social media
The final is not a test — it's a celebration of voice, courage, and imagination.
What Are the Rules Around the Writing Competition Stories?
Word Limits
- Grades 1–3: Up to 300 words
- Grades 4–6: Up to 500 words
Story Requirements
- Must be the child's own original work
- Must fit within the word limit
- Must be submitted via the online entry form
- Only one story per child
✔ What Parents & Teachers Can Help With
- ✓ Typing the story (if the child dictates)
- ✓ Encouragement and discussion of ideas
✘ What They Shouldn't Do
- ✘ Rewrite the story
- ✘ Add their own content or ideas
- ✘ Focus on corrections rather than encouragement
Stories that don't meet the rules will not be judged.
Why Is the Writing Competition So Important?
Writing helps children:
🗣️ Find their voice and express ideas clearly
💪 Build confidence in communication
🌟 Grow their imagination and storytelling skills
🎯 Celebrate effort over perfection
We want every child to feel proud of their voice and ideas — regardless of how they perform in school writing tasks. This competition gives children a platform to shine and be heard.
Need Inspiration?
Here are some great videos to help students get started:
💡 These videos are fun, short, and perfect for sparking ideas before writing begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Share Your Child's Story?
Give your child a platform to shine. Every story deserves to be heard.