Greetings to you all on this blustery Spring day. I am thrilled to announce that I am about to award prizes for out FIRST writing competition. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the stories and poems and have truly been impressed with the variety of original ideas.

I must say, there seems to be a greater knowledge of environmental issues than when I was 16. I was involved in a recycling initiative at my high school in Swaziland, and it seemed then that I stood alone from my contemporaries. There I was, a representative from the school for the country’s prime green project called Yonge Nawe, meaning nature conservation. I believe there is a growing consciousness and sense of responsibility amongst our youth, especially today’s educated youth, which was far from the norm when I was an adolescent.

So look out for the prize entries and winners early next week!