Students' essay competition on the family

An essay competition for students is being held on the occasion of the 22nd Mariapolis being held in Malta between April 15 and 17, which this year is dedicated to the family. The students will be asked to give their opinion on the family today.

This year, special attention is being given to the family by the Focolare Movement which is present in 182 countries.

The theme of the competition is: "The family: love builds peace".

It is a known fact that the family, where sound values are first learnt, is not only the basis for a healthy and beautiful relationship within the family itself, but that these same ties benefit society at large. The aim of the competition is to give an opportunity to students to show how the love between members of the family and the love towards others can contribute towards a better world.

The competition is divided in three categories. Primary school children can participate by submitting a drawing about the subject. Students in Forms 1 and 2 in secondary schools are asked to write an essay of up to 200 words in Maltese or English, while those in Forms 3, 4 and 5 can write an essay of up to 500 words.

Students' entries are to reach the organising committee by April 8 at one of the Focolare Movement's Centres - "Stellaelise", Triq il-Huttaf, Kappara, San Gwann (tel. 2138-5801; fax: 2138-4184; e-mail: focolaremt@waldonet.net.mt) or Vita Nuova, Triq G.F.A. de Soldanis, St Venera BKR 02 (tel. 2148-6112; fax: 2144-5245; e-mail: vitanuova@waldonet.net.mt; Website: www.focolare.org)

The prize-giving will be held at the Jerma Palace Hotel, Marsascala, the venue of the Mariapolis 2005, on Saturday, April 16. Besides prizes for each category, a memento will be given to the school of the winning participants. All participants will also be given a certificate.