To mark Africa Day, which takes place this year on Sunday, May 24th, The Irish Times has teamed up with Irish Aid to run an Africa-themed writing competition, with three categories: for primary school children; secondary school children; and adults.

Writers are invited to submit a short story or poem, which should relate to an African experience in either Africa or Ireland, of up to 250 words (primary); 500 words (secondary); or 2,000 words (adult) with a deadline of Friday, May 15th. Entries can be either emailed to africaday@dhr.ie or posted to DHR Communications, 80 Francis Street, Dublin 8. The email subject line should be Africa Day Competition, and postal entries should also be clearly marked as Africa Day Competition. Children’s entries may be handwritten but adult entries must be typed.

The winning entries will be chosen by The Irish Times and Irish Aid and the winners informed on May 22nd. The winning entries will be published on May 24th. The winners will receive a selection of books to the value of €50 each and there will be a photographic presentation at The Irish Times.

Spread the word.

To find out more about Africa Day follow the link www.africaday.ie