A story about the aftermath of a horrific roller coaster accident and an encounter with a new relative were the subjects of winning entries in a new national competition for children in care last night.
Scotland's national poet, Jackie Kay, presented awards to Joseph Ness in the junior category (under 12) for his story Dumb and to William Cathie (12-18) for his piece New Life, at the Get Write In! event, at Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth.
The writing competition, launched by CELCIS (the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland), and supported by The Scottish Book Trust, Who Cares? Scotland, the University of Strathclyde, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, was open to all young people who are looked after or have experienced care.
Participants from throughout Scotland were encouraged to submit a 500 word creative story in either English or Scots, about an unexpected surprise, a turning point, or a fork in the road, which could be transformed into an inspiring story.
Prizes for winners included a trip to the Harry Potter Experience in London and a storytelling and creative writing workshop.
Jackie Kay, commented: “We were moved by these extraordinary pieces of writing. Young Scots lives came shining through, the very tough times and the good ones. We were blown away by the talent that emerged, and by the openness of so many young Scots to share their stories.”
Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said: “This competition is a brilliant opportunity for care experienced young people to develop their literacy skills and to gain confidence in expressing themselves.”
Professor Jennifer Davidson, Executive Director of Inspiring Children’s Futures which CELCIS is part of, said the event had been about giving a voice to young people in care. "As we all know too well, the challenges faced by children and young people who are looked after, and their families, are many; we are hopeful that by encouraging young people to draw on their inner creativity through writing, this will contribute to building a positive sense of their power to influence the world around them, as well as strengthening their literacy for their future," she said.
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