Learning for Sustainability

Toolkit for schools

Words for the world

We must believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the world.

- Malala Yousafzai

Inspired by Malala’s words, we would love you to use your words to show how the world can be a better place. This could be about climate change, helping the environment, how we treat one another, equality – whichever area you are most concerned about, or would most like to see change.

Your challenge:

  • Use a language (or languages) other than English to show your ideas, hopes or even advice for our world.
  • It can be in any written format, for example a poem, an essay, a cartoon – be creative!
  • There is no minimum or maximum number of words!
  • Judging categories: P1-4, P5-7, S1-3 and S4-6.
  • Individual or group entries are welcome.
  • Entries will be judged on language use, content and creativity.
  • Closing date: Friday 24 March 2023.
  • Winners will be announced at an online event on Tuesday 25 April to tie in with Earth Day, observed on 22 April each year.
  • Entries can be emailed by teachers to scilt@strath.ac.uk with Words for the World in the email subject line.
  • A submission form and signed consent form should be uploaded for each entry.
  • Each entry must:
    • include a completed submission form
    • include a completed consent form
    • be in a written format (videos may be submitted for BSL only)
    • conform to the copyright guidelines
    • state the school name, pupil name and age category in its file name.
    • include a translation if the language is not usually taught within schools
  • Teachers should include one completed teacher submission form detailing all entries from their school.

We look forward to seeing your entries!

**Please note, the 2022-23 competition is now closed. Winning, highly commended and all finalist entries can now be viewed on our Words for the World 2022-23 awards page.**

For further inspiration visit the Words for the World awards page for the 2021 competition.

Image from DFID

Competition downloads

Download the Words for the World flyer to promote the competition to learners (PDF)

Download the full competition guidelines (PDF)

Download the Words for the World consent form (Word)

Download the Words for the World pupil submission form (Word)

Download the Words for the World teacher submission form (Word)

Please note this competition is open to schools in Scotland only.

University of Strathclyde Education Scotland British Council Scotland The Scottish Government
SCILT - Scotlands National centre for Languages