Dreaming Forward-African Children Writing Contest 2026
Submission
Dreaming Forward
A Creative Writing Contest for Young Africans
In Celebration of the Day of the African Child, 16th June 2026
Presented by AfroImagine
In partnership with the Kirsten & Seth Foundation
Submissions Open: Monday, 9 February 2026
Submission Deadline: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Africa is home to extraordinary young dreamers; children with bold imaginations, powerful ideas, and hopeful hearts. In celebration of the Day of the African Child 2026, AfroImagine invites young writers to dream forward and imagine the Africa they wish to have and help shape.
Dreaming Forward is a creative writing contest that celebrates children’s voices, creativity, and right to self-expression. We are looking for original stories, poems, and reflections that look beyond today and imagine hopeful, courageous, and joyful futures for Africa and its children.
This contest is part of AfroImagine’s mission to nurture a new generation of African storytellers who write with confidence, purpose, and imagination, wherever they live in the world.
Who Can Enter?
- Children and teens aged 8–17
- Young writers living in Africa or in the African diaspora
- Children from other backgrounds are welcome if African cultures and narratives are treated with respect
Age Categories
Entries will be judged within two age groups:
- Junior Category: Ages 8–12
- Senior Category: Ages 13–17
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Prizes
Prizes will be awarded in each age category.
Junior Category (Ages 8–12)
- 1st Prize: ₦150,000
- 2nd Prize: ₦ 100,000
- 3rd Prize: ₦50,000
Senior Category (Ages 13–17)
- 1st Prize: ₦150,000
- 2nd Prize: ₦ 100,000
- 3rd Prize: ₦50,000
Prizes will be awarded in Nigerian Naira (₦). Winners outside Nigeria will receive the equivalent value via international transfer.
Additional Recognition
- Publication on the AfroImagine platform
- Feature across AfroImagine’s social media channels
- Digital Certificate of Achievement
- Invitation to a Virtual Reading Showcase
- Selected non-winning entries may receive Honourable Mention
What Can You Write About?
Your writing should look toward a hopeful future. You may explore themes such as:
- New beginnings and fresh starts
- Families and friendships growing stronger
- Communities working together for a better tomorrow
- Heroes, leaders, or everyday changemakers
- Dreams for Africa’s future
- African culture, traditions, and identity
- Journeys of discovery, healing, or belonging
- Life in Africa or in the diaspora
- Nature and environmental sustainability
Your piece may be magical, adventurous, reflective, funny, realistic, or futuristic. What matters most is that it leaves readers feeling uplifted, inspired, and excited about what lies ahead.
Genres You May Submit
All entries must be original and within the following limits:
- Short stories or folklore: up to 800 words
- Futuristic or speculative writing: up to 800 words
- Cultural tales or reimagined myths: up to 800 words
- Creative non-fiction: up to 800 words
- Personal essays or reflections: up to 800 words
- Poetry: up to 30 lines
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on:
- Imagination– originality and creative thinking
- African roots– culture, place, traditions, or perspectives
- Hope– positive futures rather than fear or despair
- Heart– kindness, courage, empathy, and care for others
🚫 Writing that includes violence, hate, or deeply tragic endings will not be considered. This contest celebrates hope and possibility.
Consent, Originality, and AI Use
- A parent or guardian must provide consent via the online submission portal
- All submissions must be original and unpublished
- AI tools may be used for planning or brainstorming only
- The final work must be the child’s own voice
- Fully AI-generated or plagiarised entries will be disqualified
By submitting, you confirm that the work is authentic and created by the child.
Anthology & Royalties
Selected works may be included in a future AfroImagine anthology. Publication is non exclusive, and the child retains full ownership of their work. The anthology is a commemorative, educational project, and no royalties will be paid. Any inclusion may require separate parental consent.
Important Dates
Submissions Open: Monday, 9 February 2026
Submission Deadline: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Winners Announced & Selected Works Published: 16 June 2026, in celebration of the Day of the African Child
How to Submit
- Save your entry as a Word document
- Do read and review our submission guideline before submitting:
- Your writing
- A completed parent or guardian consent form
- A clear photo of the child
- A short author bio
Why Dreaming Forward Matters
Children have the right to express themselves, to imagine freely, and to shape the futures they will dream.
Dreaming Forward honours those rights by amplifying young African voices and celebrating the power of storytelling as a tool for pride, possibility, and transformation.
Parent & Guardian FAQ
Who can participate?
Children and teens aged 8–17 who identify with African heritage and live either on the continent or in the diaspora.
Are there age categories?
Yes. Entries are judged fairly in two groups: ages 8–12 and ages 13–17.
Does my child need to be a professional writer?
No. The contest welcomes beginners and experienced writers alike. Creativity, imagination, and originality matter more than technical perfection.
Is there a cost to enter?
No. Submission is completely free.
What kind of writing is allowed?
Original stories, poems, essays, reflections, folklore, or imaginative futures related to Africa and hope for the future.
Can my child use AI tools?
AI may be used for brainstorming or planning only. The final writing must be entirely the child’s own work. Fully AI-generated content will be disqualified.
How are prizes paid?
Prizes are awarded in Nigerian Naira. For winners outside Nigeria, payments will be made in the equivalent value through international transfer, with parental consent.
Will my child’s work be published?
Winning entries and selected submissions will be published on the AfroImagine platform.
Is parental consent required?
Yes. A signed parent or guardian consent form must be submitted with each entry.