Poly student wins ‘young people for democracy’ award of FEI
Quipo Theu, a 21 year old student of the Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi has emerged victorious in a young people’s essay writing competition organised by the Free Expression Institute (FEI).
Theu was announced as competition winner at the Freedom of Expression Awards Night in Lilongwe .
FEI organised an essay writing competition in which young people were asked to write essays analysing the Tripartite Elections Malawi held last May. The competition was primarily for University stiudents, but was later extended to other young persons aged below 35.
According to the competition organisers, Theu’s essay was selected the winner, beating off competition from 105 other entries.
Tadala Chinkwezule, a 26 year old lawyer who works with Malawi Revenue Authority came second with a Francis Phunda, a school teacher in third.
The other entrants who made it into the top ten are Harry Chikasamba, Preston Matanda, Huisen Steve Mdalla, Godfrey Munthali,Mathews Chione, Mathias Kafere andEdward Governor.
Theu went away MK200,000 Cash prize.
He was also presented with a trophy by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Samuel Tembenu who was Guest of Honour at the Awards presentation ceremony.
“I am humbled to emerge victorious out of a heavily contested competition. I thank my family and friends for encouraging me to participate in the competition. Special recognition to the organisers for without them, I would not be recognised for the award,” Theu told Nyasa Times on Tuesday.
Authors of top 15 essays will be invited to a national youth conference where they will share their thoughts with other youth leaders and activist culminating in coming up with a youth position paper on how Malawi’s democracy can be strengthened.
Free Expression Institute is a duly registered independent civil society organization working for the promotion and enhancement of free expression in Malawi.
It is a creation of journalists and free expression activists committed to the advancement of freedom of expression.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :