Bamenda, Cameroon - Youth Outreach Programme Cameroon and Youth Outreach Programme Int. are thrilled to announce the launch of the first-ever “Tales from My Community” short story competition as part of the 2025 Youth Festival of Arts and Culture (YouthFESTAC).

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…”. We invite 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".

Submission is free, and entries must be original, unpublished, and set in Cameroon.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 cash awards, certificates, and a feature in a special short story collection.

Deadline: May 6, 2025 (midnight). Submit via email: yfestac@gmail.com or in person at YOP’s office Nangah Building, Ring Way Street, Bamenda.

For more details, contact Hope Tosam at +237 653 740 008 / 237 243004288 or via emil: yfestac@gmail.com