Trust for Sustainable Living (TSL) Primary/Secondary Schools Essay Competition 2023 (Fully-funded to Oxford, UK)

The Trust for Sustainable Living is pleased to invite schoolchildren around the world to share their dreams about the potential of partnerships and collaborations to help achieve a more sustainable future.

Application Deadline: 11th January 2023

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: All

To be taken at (country): Online; Oxford UK.

About the Award:

“How can young people be better supported to thrive in green jobs?”

Our lives depend on the natural environment and our jobs and businesses depend on a healthy planet. A sustainable future requires a fast and just transition to a carbon and resource efficient economy.

Climate change and environmental degradation have already had huge global impacts, disrupting millions of jobs and livelihoods. However there are many opportunities ahead to boost the economy and improve our quality of lives by switching to a ‘green economy’.

The United Nations Environment Programme defines a green economy as “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.”

An enormous number of young people around the world hope to pursue a green career, however do they feel equipped with the skills needed to meet the demands of the ‘green jobs’ market?

Each student is invited to submit one essay in English, entitled: “How can young people be better supported to thrive in green jobs?”

We want to hear students’ own views on how they feel they can be better supported to succeed in the green jobs market. Students are invited to approach the topic however they wish. They are strongly encouraged include their own personal views, perspectives and experiences to help bring their thoughts and visions alive.

Type: Contest

Eligibility: TSL is pleased to invite children around the world to share their ideas on how partnerships can help to achieve the SDG’s and build a more sustainable world.

Students are free to approach the topic however they wish.

For example, they might decide to:

• consider one or many of the SDG’s,
• concentrate on already existing or possible future initiatives, or
• focus on local, national or international level partnerships.

However they decide to approach their essays, children are strongly encouraged to include their own personal views, perspectives and experiences to help bring their visions alive.

Primary students (ages 7-11): 400 words

Secondary students (ages 11-17): 600 words

Selection Criteria: 

• The essays are judged for originality and creativity in all formats, and the potential to contribute to a constructive international debate.
• Unique and well-argued perspectives score highly. Please refrain from copying and pasting non-original material.

Number of Awardees: 5 finalists, 1 winner and lots of consolation prizes.

Value of Competition:

• One overall Grand Prize trophy winner will receive a free international trip to a TSL Summit, including £500 spending money.
• The Top 10 essay medallists will receive eco-friendly e-medals with redeemable gift tokens included.
• All participating Teacher Champions, Essay Finalists & Honourable Mentions, and International Debate participants, will receive personalised e-certificates.

How to Apply: Apply here

Visit Competition Webpage for details