On Wednesday 12th August 2020, the National Literacy Agency in collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning, launched a writing competition with the aim of raising further awareness on the importance of safeguarding the marine environment of our islands.

The objective of this competition, which forms part of the 'Saving Our Blue' campaign, is to encourage primary, middle and secondary school pupils to promote the conservation of our seas and beaches through their creative writing skills. Interested participants can write a short story, a poem, or a journal entry keeping in mind the theme and not exceeding 300 words. The competition will have four categories, as follows: Year 3 and 4 (Primary), Year 5 and 6 (Primary), Years 7 and 8 (Secondary), and Years 9 to 11 (Secondary).

All pupils who take part will be given a certificate of participation and a memento from both entities. The best three writings from the four categories will be awarded a prize and may be given the opportunity to publish their writing through the National Literacy Agency.

The Agency would like to invite all students residing in Malta and Gozo to participate in this competition and help the Ministry raise awareness about the conservation of our shores. Entries are to be sent via email to nla@ilearn.edu.mt or by post to the following address: 'Writing Stars', Joseph Abela Scolaro Street, Hamrun, HMR 1304.

The closing date for this competition is Friday, 11th September 2020. For further information on this competition please visit the Facebook page Brillantini tal-Kitba / Writing Stars or call 2598 3301.