The summer is already proving to be exhausting. But summer fun and excitement is out there! Here is another opportunity for young people to get together for a creative poetry session (and we know how much Jamaicans love poetry!)
AND there’s the chance to win an iPad or Tablet! If you know any young people who would like to compete, please share this information. DEADLINE: AUGUST 5, 2014.
The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce its first competitive youth poetry slam, “Understanding the World Around You: The Environment and Climate Change” on August 12, 2014. The poetry slam intends to engage the youth on the topics of the environment and climate change in a fun and creative way.
The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the U.S. Embassy, 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6. There will be two sessions, with Session One for participants aged 10 – 14 years and Session Two for ages 15 – 19 years. There will be an Intermission with an Open Mic session where audience members are welcome to perform a poem outside of the competition. Those who do not wish to perform are encouraged to attend and cheer on the performers as audience members.
Winner of the “Best Slam” and the “Best Written Piece” will be chosen from each age group and will win an iPad or Tablet. All eligible entrants will receive certificates and free lifetime membership to the Embassy library, The Paul Robeson Information Resource Centre.
Listed below are the rules and requirements to compete in the event:
Age criteria: Ages 10 -19 years
All works submitted must be original pieces from the performers
Each performance is no longer than three minutes
Poems must focus on the theme of environment and climate change. This theme can relate to many aspects of life, including but not limited to Jamaican prosperity, wildlife, relationship with the environment, etc.
Poem can be in any style.
Poets may stomp their feet, sing, drum on themselves etc., but they may not a) play an instrument or b) use recorded music.
There is no censorship. It is recommended that poets regulate themselves and avoid excessive violence, sexually explicit language and/or degrading language.
Attendees must send their first name and last name, date of birth, contact phone number and email address, and if they wish to compete they must also submit their poem to kingstonirc@state.gov by Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Anyone wishing to attend must RSVP.
