161 students competed in the race for the grand prize – participation in an international congress in Israel
A Record number participants took part in the fourth literary contest of the Centre for Jewish-Bulgarian cooperation “Alef”. 161 students from 41 settlements sent their essays on the topic „Shimon Peres and his contribution to the dimensions of universal humanism.” This year for the first time the verbal race goes beyond the borders of the country. Ralitsa Bozhilova of Bosilengrad, Serbia sent her essay, written in Bulgarian language.
Centre “Aleph” announced the contest on November 1, 2016 and offered students six fragments of speeches by Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, on which students have built their literary works. To help them, “Alef” extended its virtual library in its site and enrich it with dozens of materials for the Israeli statesman.
“Alef” organized a literary contest for students from VIII to XII class from 2013 to stimulate the interest of young people for events and personalities of history that reflect in the present and the future. The theme of each issue is different – dedicated to current events and anniversaries. This year the topic is a kind of expression of recognition and respect for the great Israeli statesman and champion of peace and understanding Shimon Peres.
During the years the literary competition became among the most prestigious and popular school competitions. Participants multiply with each edition. The initiative for its promotion among high school students already includes many of the Inspectorates of Bulgarian Ministry of Education.
Now in the hands of the jury are 165 students’ works – some of the participants have sent more than one essay. Mihailina Pavlova- editor of the newspaper “Jewish News” and journalist in Radio, Rumen Leonidov – poet and publisher Assen Yordanov – journalist and director of the site Bivol.bg have the difficult task to evaluate them.
The winner will be awarded with participation in a week-long international congress for young leaders in youth village Hakfar Hayarok in the Israeli city of Ramat HaSharon. His presence is provided by Ronald Lauder foundation. The conference will take place between 11 and 18 August, 2017 and it will include young people from around the world aged 15 to 17 years. This year’s theme is “Environment – The World Water Crisis. Climate’s Problems. Loss of biodiversity”. The young people will present the traditions and culture of their countries, the efforts they are making to preserve the environment, will build friendships. The representative of Bulgaria – the winner of the literary contest “Alef” will take part with a presentation about our country. His presence will be highly appreciated if at the gala evening he/she is with a Bulgarian costume, announce the organizers of the congress. The presence of the winner in Israel- participation fee, medical insurance, accommodation will be covered by Center Alef. travel cost Bulgaria-Israel-Bulgaria will be provided by the Israeli embassy in Bulgaria.
Traditionally, the literary work that is ranked first will be published in leading Bulgarian media. The authors of the works awarded the second and third place will receive cash bonuses – respectively 200 and 150 lev.
The competition’s results will be announced at a ceremony in the spring. The authors of the first 20 works, awarded by the jury will be invited to attend. The participation in the competition will become an unforgettable memory and an impetus for future work for them. In Burgas they will be able to experience also one real fairy-tale, organized by Center ‘Alef’- trip to the only Bulgarian castle “In love with the Wind” near Sozopol.
