Application Deadline: December 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM (Jamaica time)
The World Bank is launching a regional essay competition for Caribbean youth aged 18-29 to share their ideas on poverty and development. This competition gives university-level students a platform to propose solutions and contribute to the conversation on sustainable development, economic growth, and resilience in the region.
The theme for the opinion essay aligns with a forthcoming report on jobs and poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and the region’s efforts on End Poverty Day, 2024. In LAC, having a job is no longer enough to break free from poverty. In 2023, despite decades of progress, 1 in 4 people still lived below the poverty line. The region has made strides, but fragile economic growth and low-quality jobs are holding millions back. For true poverty reduction, the fight isn’t just about work—it’s about better work.
Essay Title: Job Poverty in the Caribbean: From your perspective, is there a jobs and skills shortage in your country or the wider Caribbean? How does this challenge contribute to poverty and, what can be done to address it?
Contestants are encouraged to apply a variety of writing skills and methodologies, including evidence-based writing, referencing relevant journals, reports and articles, and experiential or anecdotal encounters.
Target Audience
Age group: 18-29 years old
Education level: University-level students across the Caribbean
Submission Guidelines:
- 1,500 words, maximum
- Must be written in English
All entries should be submitted electronically via email in PDF format - Entries should be original, unpublished, and written by the participant. Plagiarism will result in disqualification
Submit to: wbcaribbean@worldbank.org
Submission emails should be titled: Essay Competition Submission
More Info: World Bank Caribbean Regional Opinion Essay Competition on Poverty
