KARACHI, May 26: Japan’s ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology has announced the 2003 international essay contest for young people, up to 25 years of age with the theme “My Vision for the Future.”

The competition is in accordance with the United Nations decision to designate 2001-2010 as the “International Decade for Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World”

The event being organised in coordination with the Goi Peace Foundation and the World Peace Prayer Society seeks essays by any one up to 25 years in two different age categories.

One for children up to 15 years and the other for youths (age 16 to 25).

The entries must reach International Essay Contest c/o The Goi Peace Foundation 1-4 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan. Fax:81 (3) 3239-0919. E-mail essay@goipeace.or.jp.

Essays must be typed or printed in English, Spanish, German or French. Children’s category: 600 words or less. Youth category: 800 words or less.

These must have a cover page indicating (1) category (children or youth) (2) essay title (3) name of entrant (4) address (5) phone number (6) fax number (7) e-mail address (8) nationality (9) age (10) sex (11) school name and grade.

Entries must be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail. It must be original and unpublished. Essays must be written by one person. Co-authored essays are not accepted. Copyright of the essays entered will be assigned to the sponsor.

Winners will be announced in October, 2003, on the Goi Peace Foundation website (www.goipeace.or.jp). Winners would also be notified respectively.

Awards will be given in the children’s category and the youth category respectively.

First prize winners will be invited to the award ceremony to be held in Tokyo. Travel expenses will be covered by the sponsor.—APP