Raniya Hossein Wins Commonwealth Essay Competition

Bringing further delight to the country, Lahore’s Raniya Hosain won praise and delight of the Duchess of Corwall after she was declared as the winner of the Commonwealth Essay Competition in 2014.

Chosen from approx. 9400 Students 44 participating countries, Raniya Hossein’s story of an impoverished Pakistani fruit seller won her the top prize at Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2014.

Her winning entry was chosen by a panel of Commonwealth judges from more than 3,500 Senior entries. Writing on the essay topic: ‘Describe what your country has to offer other members of the Commonwealth team’, Raniya’s entry to the competition sponsored by Cambridge University Press, is the heart-warming tale of an elderly and impoverished Pakistani fruit seller who inspires generosity and laughter in those he meets.

The story highlighted pakistan’s contribution towards Commonwealth and eventually won raniya the first prize in the senior category. The young prodigy was especially invited and flown to London to take part in the ceremony where she was bestowed with accolades and appraisal.

“When I found out about my success I was numb with shock, and then the elation set in. It’s amazing to be here with my fellow winners from different parts of the Commonwealth,” Raniya commented.

The Duchess of Cornwall Camilla held a reception on behalf of the Queen to honour those who impressed the judges in the world’s oldest and largest schools international writing contest.  It is well-known that Camilla is an ardent reader and has a keen interest in promoting the advantages of reading both to children and adults alike. Hosting numerous literacy events, The Duchess has sat and read to children as well as met with adult readers eager to improve their literacy skills.

Raniya, from the Lahore College of Arts and Science stood out among 10,000 entries from more than 500 schools in 44 Commonwealth nations. The theme of the 2014 competition was the Commonwealth Year Theme – Team Commonwealth.

Hailing from Lahore the 15-year-old genius describes Pakistan as, “The story of dried up apples, toothless smiles, stupid toys, juvenile stories, raucous laughter and crystal tears. The story of our people, the story of our country…”

Mike Lake, director of the Royal Commonwealth Society, said: “This year’s winners, drawn from the four corners of the globe, wrote on different topics, but are united in one thing – their determination to have their voices heard. That is what lies at the heart of the competition. Youth voice, a perspective vital to the future of the Commonwealth.”

Expressing sheer delight of towards her student, Raniya’s teacher in Lahore Erum avidly told media about the wonder child raniya had always been. The media and public alike celebrated the young girl’s success.

                                                                                                                                                                Abeera Ghufran