ESSAY COMPETITION

Africa is rich in cultural and religious diversity, home to a diverse array of faiths, including Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs, and others. This diversity presents both unique opportunities for interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well as significant challenges that can lead to division and conflict. This essay competition marking the 60^th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II declaration on the relation of the Church to Non-Christian religions, aims to explore the dynamics of interfaith relations in Africa, encouraging participants to analyze both the positive and negative aspects of these interactions. Through it, the Center for Interfaith Studies in Africa, located at Hekima University College, seeks to engage young thinkers and scholars in exploring the significance of interfaith relations in Africa. In an increasingly polarized world, harmonious relations between faith communities are crucial for fostering peace, unity, and social cohesion.

Objectives

– To encourage critical thinking and creativity among participants regarding interfaith relations.

– To raise awareness of the importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing social issues in Africa.

– To provide a platform for young voices to express their ideas and proposals for enhancing interfaith relations.

– To identify and mentor promising talents in the field of interfaith studies.

– To inspire innovative ideas and strategies for enhancing interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Target Audience

The competition is open to university students, young professionals, and anyone interested in exploring the theme of interfaith relations in Africa. Participants from diverse academic backgrounds, including anthropology, sociology, religious studies, philosophy, theology, international relations, and peace studies, are particularly encouraged to submit their essays.

Essay Guidelines

– Length: 5,000 – 6,000 words (without counting the bibliography)

– Format: Typed, double-spaced, with standard font and citation style.

– Submission Deadline: 30^th June 2025

– Submission Method: Essays should be submitted in Word Format via email to cisa@hekima.ac.ke with the subject “Essay Competition” and should include the author’s full legal name and institutional affiliation.

Evaluation Criteria

Essays will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance: Addressing the theme of interfaith relations in Africa.
2. Depth of Analysis: Demonstrating a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved.
3. Originality: Presenting unique insights or perspectives, preferably rooted in theories developed by African thinkers.
4. Clarity and Coherence: Well-structured arguments and clear writing style.
5. Research and References: Use of credible sources to support claims.

Prizes

1st Prize: 20,000 KES

2nd Prize: 12,500 KES

3^rd Prize: 7,500 KES

Additionally, all winners will receive mentoring to prepare their essays for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. 

This essay competition serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection on interfaith relations in Africa. By engaging with this theme, participants can contribute to the broader discourse on peace, coexistence, and understanding in a diverse continent. We invite all interested individuals to participate and share their insights on this critical issue.

Call to Action:

We encourage interested individuals to submit their essays by the deadline and to share the opportunity with their communities. Together, we can inspire change and promote interfaith harmony across the continent.

Here are some possible areas or topics for submissions related to the theme “Interfaith Relations in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges”:

1. Historical Perspectives on Interfaith Relations in Africa: Analyzing the historical interactions between different faith communities in Africa and their impact on social cohesion.

2. The Role of Religious Leaders in Promoting Peace: Examining how religious leaders can act as mediators in conflicts and promote interfaith understanding.

3. Interfaith Dialogue and Youth Engagement: Exploring the role of youth in fostering interfaith dialogue and their potential as agents of change in their communities.

4. Interfaith Perspectives on Social Justice: Investigating how different faith traditions address issues of social justice, inequality, and human rights.

5. Challenges to Interfaith Dialogue: Identifying barriers to effective interfaith communication and understanding in African societies.

6. The Role of Education in Promoting Interfaith Understanding: Assessing how educational institutions can facilitate interfaith dialogue and awareness among students.

7. Interfaith Initiatives in Conflict Resolution: Case studies of successful interfaith initiatives that have contributed to conflict resolution in specific regions of Africa.

8. Cultural Exchange and Interfaith Dialogue: Exploring how cultural practices and traditions can enhance interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.

9. The Impact of Social Media on Interfaith Relations: Analyzing the role of social media platforms in shaping perceptions and fostering dialogue between different faith communities.

10. Environmental Stewardship and Faith: Investigating how various faith traditions approach environmental issues and collaborate on sustainability efforts.

11. Women in Interfaith Dialogue: Examining the unique contributions of women in promoting interfaith understanding and collaboration.

12. Interfaith Dialogue as a Tool for National Unity: Discussing how interfaith dialogue can strengthen national identity and unity in diverse societies.

This non-exhaustive list of topics offers a broad range of perspectives, encouraging participants to engage with the complexities of interfaith relations within the African context.

 We invite students, scholars, and practitioners to contribute to this exciting conversation.