Smile Outreach Foundation Unveils 2025 Hand-to-Mind Writing Competition for Girls

In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Smile Outreach Foundation has announced the launch of the 2025 Hand-to-Mind Club Writing Competition, aimed at empowering girls aged 10 to 17 across Nigeria through storytelling and poetry.

This year’s theme, “My Voice Against Violence: Unfolding Realities of Change and Courage,” invites adolescent girls to address gender-based violence and harmful social norms, using their words as a tool for advocacy and change.

Open to students from 20 selected schools—particularly those with active or newly established Hand-to-Mind Clubs—the competition encourages participants to submit original essays, short stories, or poems (400–700 words) inspired by personal experiences, imagined scenarios, or role models.

Winners will receive cash prizes of ₦500,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second place, and ₦200,000 for third place. Applications are currently open and will close on September 15, 2025, with the competition scheduled for October 10, 2025.

The initiative forms part of the broader Hand-to-Mind Project, which promotes self-expression and awareness among young people through comics, flashcards, and other creative learning tools. Schools can nominate up to three girls via the official website, with applications requiring a student bio and motivation statement. Only female-identifying students aged 10–17 are eligible to apply.