From Participant to judge: A Journey Shaped by The Queen's Commonwealth Writing Competition
- Alwy Ahmed Mohamed
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Enduring Impact of The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition
My journey with The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition began in 2022 while I was a student at Aga Khan High School, Mombasa, Kenya. Encouraged by my English teacher to submit an essay, I entered the competition with enthusiasm and a deep love for writing, though I was still developing the technical precision and structure required for excellence. That year, I was honoured to receive a Bronze Award. In 2023 and again in 2024, I was privileged to be awarded Silver distinctions. Each recognition affirmed not only my growth as a writer but also my belief that young voices, when nurtured, can resonate far beyond their immediate surroundings.
Participation in the competition proved transformative. It sharpened my analytical thinking, strengthened my discipline, and refined my ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and purpose. More significantly, it cultivated qualities of leadership and global awareness. Engaging with thought-provoking themes encouraged me to approach issues with empathy, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of shared responsibility. The competition was not merely an academic platform; it became a formative space that shaped my worldview and deepened my understanding of the power of words as instruments of influence and change.
Upon completing high school, I felt a strong responsibility to extend the opportunities I had received to other young learners. I began volunteering as a mentor at Nurturing Stars Organisation, a community-based initiative dedicated to supporting students in developing their academic and personal potential. There, I guided learners in strengthening their writing skills and building confidence in self-expression. I later volunteered as a tutor at a community tuition centre, teaching English, Swahili, and Religious Studies. These experiences confirmed my aspiration to pursue education not simply as a profession, but as a lifelong vocation grounded in service.
In 2024, I received a scholarship offer from Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta in Indonesia to undertake a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, specialising in Religious Studies. This milestone represented more than academic advancement; it symbolised the continued unfolding of a journey that began with a single essay submission. The discipline, confidence, and global outlook fostered by the competition had prepared me to embrace this opportunity with purpose.
The influence of The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition extended even further. Inspired by the confidence it instilled in me, I authored and published four books, distributing copies freely within communities to promote accessible literacy. In Indonesia, I engaged with schools including SMPTQ Abbi-Ummi School, Al Azhar Sragen, and Al Abidin School, as well as disability schools, advocating for inclusive and equitable access to education. These engagements strengthened my conviction that literacy is foundational to dignity, empowerment, and sustainable community development. My commitment to this cause led me to serve as a Youth Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation, where I continue to champion literacy as a catalyst for transformation across diverse contexts.
Promoting Literacy in SD- Alazhar Sragen School
In 2025, I had the profound honour of returning to The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition as a judge. This full-circle moment was deeply humbling. Reviewing essays from talented young writers across the Commonwealth reaffirmed the competition’s enduring significance. It is more than a platform for recognition; it is a space where confidence is nurtured, leadership is cultivated, and global citizenship is inspired. Having once been a participant learning to structure his first essays with confidence, I was now entrusted with supporting the next generation of voices.
Reflecting on this journey, I recognise that The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition has played a defining role in shaping my academic pathway, professional aspirations, and lifelong commitment to literacy advocacy. It transformed a passion for writing into a mission rooted in education and service. Beyond awards and distinctions, it provided direction, discipline, and a profound sense of purpose. For this enduring impact, I remain sincerely and deeply grateful.
“Participating in The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition was the defining turning point of my academic and personal journey. It did not simply refine my writing; it built my confidence, shaped my leadership, and awakened in me a lifelong commitment to literacy and education. The competition gave me the courage to believe that my voice mattered and the responsibility to use it for positive impact. From award recipient to literacy advocate and eventually judge, my journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of this platform. I remain profoundly grateful for the opportunities it creates for young people across the Commonwealth, empowering them to write, to lead, and to serve.”
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The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
