Ghanaian student writing an essay

Selection Process

Climate Change Essay Competition

Your essay is your application. Write with passion, think with clarity, and earn your place on the journey to Hamburg.

Deadline: 6 August 2026

Why an Essay?

We believe the best way to find tomorrow's climate leaders is to hear their voices today. The essay competition is our selection process — students who submit a compelling, thoughtful essay will be shortlisted for the programme. This is your opportunity to show us how you think about climate change and what you can contribute to the world.

Two categories

Choose Your Category

Ages 11–13

1,000–1,200 words

Essay topic

"Climate Change in My Community: What I See, What I Hear, and What I Can Do"

What to write

Describe the effects of climate change you observe in your community, how it impacts daily life, and the concrete actions you would take as a climate ambassador.

Judging criteria

  • Originality and personal observation
  • Understanding of local climate impacts
  • Proposed community-level solutions
  • Clarity and quality of expression
Ages 14–16

1,200–1,500 words

Essay topic

"Climate Change and Ghana's Future: Learning from the Past, Understanding the Present, Acting for Tomorrow"

What to write

Analyse Ghana's environmental history, current climate challenges, and present a forward-looking action plan for sustainable development.

Judging criteria

  • Research depth and accuracy
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Policy awareness and vision
  • Coherent argument and structure

Step by step

How to Submit

1

Choose your category

Select the age category that matches your age — 11–13 or 14–16.

2

Write your essay

Follow the topic and word count guidelines for your category. Write in English.

3

Prepare your submission

Include your full name, age, school, and parent/guardian contact details with your essay.

4

Email before the deadline

Send your essay as a PDF or Word document to [email protected] before 6 August 2026.

Judging & Selection

All essays are reviewed by a panel of educators and climate experts. The strongest essays from each age category are shortlisted. Shortlisted students and their parents will be contacted directly for final confirmation.

Our panel includes educators, climate scientists, and sustainability professionals.

Selection timeline

Essay deadline6 August 2026
Review periodAugust – September 2026
Shortlist announcedOctober 2026
Programme datesNovember 2026, Hamburg

Tips for a Strong Essay

Be specific

Use real examples from your community or Ghana. Specific observations are more powerful than general statements.

Show your thinking

We want to understand how you reason. Explain why you believe what you believe.

Propose solutions

Don't just describe problems — suggest what could be done and who should do it.

Write clearly

Simple, clear sentences are better than complex ones. Read your essay aloud before submitting.

Ready to Write?

The deadline is 6 August 2026. Start writing today.

Shout Africa Foundation

Empowering young learners from Ghana through climate education, cultural exchange, and international leadership.

In partnership with SDW

Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald

Programme Details

Hamburg, Germany
8–16 November 2026
Ages 11–16
Climate Education
International Exchange

© 2026 Shout Africa Foundation. In partnership with SDW (Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald). All rights reserved.