Liz McInnes MP and Tony Lloyd MP encourage local school pupils to take part in Commonwealth competition

Liz McInnes MP & Tony Lloyd MP

Liz McInnes, Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton, and Tony Lloyd, Member of Parliament for Rochdale, are encouraging local schoolchildren to enter this year’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition was launched by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the Society’s inaugural Vice-Patron, during a visit to Ghana International School in Accra in the presence of more than one thousand school children.

The theme for 2019 is A Connected Commonwealth. Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future, this year’s topics call upon young people to consider how they can work to use cultural, technological and environmental connections for positive change across the Commonwealth.  It asks young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the vast and varied links between citizens.

Liz McInnes MP said: “This competition is an opportunity for all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their story and have their voice heard, all whilst developing key skills. The organisers want to hear from more young people across the Commonwealth, including here in the UK: all stories and voices are important. I’d like to encourage all school children in Heywood and Middleton to take part, and I wish you all good luck!”

Tony Lloyd MP said: “The Commonwealth Essay Competition gives all young people in Rochdale a chance to write about important topics such as our common links and history. Knowing that essays will be coming in from the entire Commonwealth really gives an opportunity for us to look at our shared experiences. I hope that everyone in Rochdale considers taking part and best of luck to all those who do!”

The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under and runs until 1 June 2019. All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one winner and runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.

For more information, visit:

•  thercs.org/youth-and-education/the-queens-commonwealth-essay-competition/