Then & Now Results
‘Then & Now’ Competition Results
TogetherintheUK would like to thank everyone who entered the competition, we were honoured that you shared your story with us. We had a total of 211 entries. We congratulate the winners today. We will be creating opportunities for more writers; we will be publishing an anthology and inviting writers to read their work at different events.
Under 18
First Place – The Admission by Famya Faiz
‘This outstanding writing explores with great subtlety, authenticity and emotional power the theme what is lost in the translation of the self from the time before migration – Then – and the time after – Now. It calls on all the senses, and the details pack a punch. ‘Home is now a postcode’.
‘ Like I should be grateful for being seen correctly once a term’.
‘Languages rubs against my mouth like polished shoes one size too small’
‘Two homes pull at my throat.’
It is especially strong on voice and both judges felt that this poem could be a powerful one to publish and for English teachers to use in schools. Here is a hugely talented writer to look out for… their work shines in prose and verse’
Second Place – Sacrifices that had to be made by Mirabel Noroudin
Third Place –The Roots We Share by HoChing Wong
Thank you to Sita Brahmachari and Jane Farrell for judging the Under 18s.
Over 18
Poetry
First Place : The Sky I Came From, The Ground I Chose, by Ahed AlJondi
‘This poem feels delicate and hesitant – as if the writer is searching their heart for truth and only gradually discovering it. There is something about that mood which resembles the experience of migration – constantly hoping, searching and then seeking to understand what has been found’.
Second Place: Rule 35 by Michael NDoun
Third place: “I’m Here Now’ Iuliaa- Anna Kryshtal
Thank you to Camilla Reeve from PALEWELL PRESS for judging the poetry.
Stories and Essays
‘We judged the winners on the basis of the quality of the writing, clarity of the subject/arguments, and the urgency of the story.
So, all the stories have shown an aspect of migration from various perspectives. But the winning stories have added an interesting element that has made the subject more urgent. Also written clearly, with a distinctive voice that builds up the emotional impact’.
First Place : The Sky I Came From, Th Ground I Chose, by Ahed AlJondi
Second Place: Middle Bridge, by Marzieh Mostafavi Mendi
Third Place: Anchored by Faith by Laura Ndanuko and The Nalka (Then) by Abida Akram
Thank you to Goran Baba Ali of Afsana Press | Stories That Matter and Maryam Qaiser – Mirror for judging the stories and essays.
