The European Union Delegation in Kenya has launched a creativity contest online named “#PamojaStrong,” which will run from 15th June to 15th July 2021.

The EU and its Member States – Team Europe – believe that we can only tackle some of the greatest challenges of this century, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, if we work together. They are, therefore, inviting young people in Kenya to take part in the multimedia competition #PamojaStrong to showcase creative examples on why we are stronger in partnerships and which solutions we can develop better together than alone.

How can you participate?

If you are a Kenyan and between 15 and 35 years old, just start thinking about how partnerships can help to be stronger together. What is your own experience? Give an example when you were entering into a partnership and were able to achieve something important or find a solution to a problem, because you worked with somebody else.

Anything goes: Produce a short video clip, a photo, a painting, a design, some graffiti, a poem, a short story, a rap, a song, a podcast – anything goes. Just show your passion and your experience in partnerships and explain how a partnership can help to find a solution to a problem. These multimedia products can be submitted in English, Swahili, Sheng or can be visual.

Where and when to participate?

The contest is taking place on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under the hashtag #PamojaStrong between 15 June to 15 July 2021. Young people are called upon to submit their creative ideas as a post on these platforms #PamojaStrong.  Judging will take place after that date and final winners will be announced on 15 August 2021.

By the end of the submission deadline (15th July 2021), an international jury composed of renowned educated professionals with experience in academia, communication and / or the arts will evaluate the works based on originality, creativity, and aesthetics of the theme. Each judge will receive a number of submissions for which the entrant’s handle or name is removed. When all votes have been submitted, the highest scores will be selected for the top 10. Any discrepancies will be decided by the organizing team.

The winning product will be based on a sliding scale of 1-10 (1 indicating needs improvement to 10 indicating exceptional) based on relevance, development, creativity, impact, and originality.

Are there any rewards?

Yes, the EU says there will be some small awards for the top 10 finalists.  The top 3 finalists will receive an official plaque engraved with their name and a certificate issued by the Delegation of the European Union to Kenya. All winning contributions will be showcased in EU social media.

Any other regulations you need to consider?

Make sure your entry follows the submission guidelines prior to submitting:

The work has to be relevant to the theme of finding solutions to problems by being stronger together and working in partnerships.       

•           Your work must be original.
•           All participants need to use the hashtag #PamojaStrong on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The full rules of the competition are available on the official website of the European Union Delegation to Kenya: 

https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/kenya/100016/join-creative-battle-pamojastrong_en