As part of 2025 YouthFESTAC: Youth Outreach Programme launches short story competition.

The announcement is contained in a press release issued March 1, by Youth Outreach Programme, YOP.

According to YOP, this exciting initiative seeks to promote creativity among young writers while encouraging them to reflect on the realities of their communities through storytelling. The competition has as theme: “The Day I Feared Most in My Life…” / “Le Jour le Plus Redouté de Ma Vie…” (In French). 

Youth Outreach Programme has invited young writers to craft compelling short stories that highlight personal or community challenges.

Omer Songwe, YOP’s Programme Coordinator stated: "A community’s identity is woven through the stories its people tell. By giving young writers a platform to share their experiences, this competition not only nurtures creativity but also fosters a deeper understanding of local realities, challenges, and aspirations thus using story telling as a tool for change”. 

YOP, in the press release, stated that submission is free, and entries must be original, unpublished, and set in Cameroon. Winning stories will be published in Cultura the organisation’s magazine and on YOP’s website. 

Prizes include up to 50,000 FCFA cash awards, certificates, and a feature in a special short story collection. 

The deadline for submission is May 6, 2025 (midnight). Entrants can submit via email: yfestac@gmail.com or in person at YOP’s office at Nangah Building, Ring Way Street, Bamenda. 

Meanwhile, more details can be gotten by contacting Hope Tosam at +237 653 740 008 / 237 243004288 or via emil: yfestac@gmail.com.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3380 of Sunday March 02, 2025