Competition Rules
Guiding Points for Participants
Topic: Letter Without Borders
Introduction: Writing Beyond Borders
Begin your letter by imagining that you are writing to someone living in another country, culture, or part of the world. Explain why you are reaching out and how letters can connect people despite differences in language, geography, or background.
Example:
“Dear Friend,
Although we may live in different countries and come from different cultures, this letter is my way of reaching across borders to connect with you. Through these words, I hope to share my thoughts, learn about your world, and remind us both that we are part of one global family.”
Understanding Our Diverse World
Describe the diversity of our world. Talk about different cultures, traditions, languages, and ways of life. Reflect on how these differences make our world unique and beautiful.
Possible Topics:
Cultural diversity and traditions
Different languages and customs
Shared human values
Global connections through technology and communication
Example:
“Our world is filled with incredible diversity. People celebrate different festivals, speak different languages, and follow different traditions. Yet despite these differences, we all share similar hopes, dreams, and emotions.”
Sharing Personal Experiences
Talk about your own life, experiences, interests, and community. Help the reader understand who you are and what life is like where you live.
Example:
“In my daily life, I enjoy spending time with my family, learning new things, and celebrating special occasions with my community. These experiences shape who I am and help me appreciate the people around me.”
Building Bridges Through Understanding
Reflect on the importance of friendship, understanding, and cooperation between people from different backgrounds. Share lessons about respect, empathy, and open-mindedness.
Example:
“If there is one lesson I have learned, it is that understanding begins with listening. When we take the time to learn about one another, we build bridges instead of walls and create opportunities for friendship and peace.”
A Message to the Reader
Speak directly to the person receiving the letter. Encourage them to celebrate diversity, respect differences, and work toward a more connected and peaceful world.
Example:
“No matter where you live or what language you speak, I hope you always remember that kindness and respect can bring people together. Our differences should inspire curiosity and learning, not division.”
Conclusion: A Letter That Crosses Borders
End your letter with a hopeful message about global friendship, unity, and the future.
Example:
“This letter may have traveled across many borders to reach you, but I hope it reminds us that human connection has no boundaries. May we continue to learn from one another, celebrate our diversity, and build a world united by understanding and compassion.
Best wishes, and thank you for reading.”
Rules of the International Letter-Writing Competition for Students
1. Objective
The GEMA’s International Letter-Writing Competition aims to improve literacy through the art of letter-writing.
Targeted at children and young people, the annual competition encourages participants to express their creativity and refine their language skills.
2. Participation
The competition is open to participants up to the age of 18 years.
The International Letter-Writing Competition Bureau accepts compositions sent directly by schools, individuals or similar.
3. Each entry must be accompanied by the following documents:
A) A completed entry form;
B) The original letter in the following formats:
- A good-quality scan, in colour, of the handwritten original (if available) in PDF format; or
- As a Word document;
C) A good-quality photograph of the candidate:
- In JPEG format (300 dpi minimum);
D) An id proof of the candidate:
- In JPEG format (300 dpi minimum);
- Accepted documents include school id-card, school fee receipt, school app screen shot, passport, citizenship cards etc..
4. Presentation and content of entries
The original letter may include illustrations from the candidate. Entries must adhere strictly to the theme and
not exceed the limit of 1000 words.
Please submit the letter by clicking on ‘Register Now’ link on the website.
5. Jury designation and results
The International Letter-Writing Competition Bureau will designate an international jury to judge the letters it receives.
The following criteria will be used to judge the quality of the letters:
- Structure as a letter;
- Adherence to the theme;
- Creativity; and
- Use of language.
The judges will select the three best entries (i.e. first, second and third places) and will also award special
medals to 5 other compositions. As soon as the International Letter-Writing Competition Bureau receives the results from the jury,
it will notify the result on its website within a reasonable amount of time.
6. Prizes
The top winners in each category will receive a special trophy (gold for first prize, silver for second, and bronze for third) , as
well as a certificate to commemorate their win.
5 Appreciation Medals in each category
Every participant will get a Digital Certificate.
School Level Winners for School with 50+ Entries.
Trophy & Certificate for teacher sending Bulk Entry(50+ Entry)
Trophy & Certificate for School sending Bulk Entry(50+ Entry)
7. Communications
The International Letter-Writing Competition Bureau will undertake communication activities to ensure the widest possible publicity
for the prize-winners, their schools, and the letter-writing competition in general.
Participating schools are warmly encouraged to make every effort to promote the competition and their prize-winners in their territory.
