The Centre for Civic Education Pakistan has planned to hold democracy festival in September to celebrate the World Democracy Day. The event, spokesperson of the centre said on Wednesday, would also include essay writing contest for students across the country to share their opinion on democracy and democratic citizenship.
Giving details, he said these essays could include their ideals, realities, or what they oversee the future of democracy in Pakistan. He said the Working Group members of the Democracy Festival would review all essays.
He also said three winners from each group ie college and university students would receive prizes worth of Rs 7,500, Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500 respectively and their essays would be included in special publication. The contestants must respond to one of two questions ie 'My vision of Pakistan as a democratic society and steps I can take to get there' or 'How I can be an active and effective Pakistani citizen in the age of globalisation.'
College and university students aged 18 to 30 were eligible to furnish their short essays comprising 2000 words in Urdu or English and must reflect their own experiences and views on the given subject, the spokesman added.
Moreover, the finalists would also receive a scholarship to participate in the 'National Conference on Civic Education for a Democratic Pakistan' that would take place in Islamabad on September 15. Students have been advised to email completed essays to contact@civiceducation.org or mail it on GPO box 1123, Islamabad.