Title: "Breaking Barriers: The Case of the Sign Language Situation in Zambia"

Introduction
Communication is at the heart of human connection, and for Zambia's deaf community, the absence of an official language for communication has created insurmountable barriers. The Sign Language Bill stands as a vital piece of legislation that would bridge the communication gap, allowing individuals with hearing impairments to thrive socially, economically, and politically. The essays that will be submitted in this competition will explore the significance of enacting the Sign Language Act and why this legislation is essential for the Zambian government to prioritise its implementation.

Supporting Facts:
1. Legal Recognition of Sign Language as a Right: Sign language is not just a mode of communication; it is a fundamental right for people with hearing impairments. The Zambian Government must pass the Sign Language Act to ensure that the rights of hard of hearing individuals are respected and recognized legally, as enshrined in Part 2 Section 5 and 8 of the Zambia Disability Act No. 6 of 2012.
2. Inclusive Education and Healthcare Systems: The Act will make it easier to incorporate sign language into the education system and healthcare services, ensuring that deaf learners, students and patients can access information and resources in a language they understand. This will lead to better health outcomes and improved educational performance for hard of hearing persons as well as achievement of Part 5, Division 1 and 2 of the Zambia Disability Act No. 6 of 2012.
3. Promoting Cultural and Social Awareness: By recognizing sign language as a national language, Zambia can promote greater cultural understanding. This will encourage hearing individuals to learn sign language, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can engage and communicate effectively with each other leading to the effective implementation of Part 5, Division 6; and Part 2, Section 6 and 7 of the Zambia Disability Act No. 6 of 2012.
4. Economic Empowerment through Inclusion: By creating a more inclusive society, the Sign Language Act will open doors to new employment opportunities for individuals with hearing impairments. An inclusive workforce where sign language is respected and utilised will increase economic participation and growth and achievement of what is stated in Part 5, Division 4 of the Zambia Disability Act No. 6 of 2012.
5. Emergency Services Accessibility: The inability to communicate in a shared language is a human rights violation. The Act will grant individuals with hearing impairments the right to access services in a way that respects their dignity and equality. It will be a legal step towards eliminating discrimination and ensuring all Zambians can participate fully in society as outlined in Part 5, Division 3 and 5 of the Zambia Disability Act No. 6 of 2012.
Conclusion
The enactment of the Sign Language Act in Zambia is not merely a policy change but a commitment to creating a truly inclusive society. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the challenges faced by the deaf community, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their hearing ability. Implementing this legislation will mark a significant step toward a fairer, more just Zambia.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING JUDGES
The success of the Sililo Foundation Writing Essay Competition depends on the credibility, fairness, and expertise of the judging panel. To ensure a transparent and objective evaluation process, it is crucial to establish clear criteria for selecting judges as well as for assessing the submitted essays. A total of seven (7) judges will be selected to be on the judge’s panel for this competition. Below is an outline of the essential qualifications for judges and the specific parameters for selecting the best essay.

1.0.Selection of Judges
To maintain high standards and integrity in the competition, the following criteria will be used to select judges:

1.1 Academic and Professional Qualifications
Judges must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Education, Linguistics, Literature, Communication, Journalism, or Law.
Preference will be given to individuals with postgraduate qualifications or significant experience in writing, editing, or literary critique.

1.2 Experience in Writing and Evaluation
Judges should have experience in academic writing, creative writing, or essay evaluation.
Previous experience in judging writing competitions, publishing research, or editorial roles will be an added advantage.

1.3 Objectivity and Fairness
Judges must demonstrate unbiased decision-making and commitment to ethical evaluation.
They should be willing to adhere to strict confidentiality and impartiality throughout the judging process.

1.4 Knowledge of the Competition Theme

Judges should have a strong understanding of the competition’s theme, that is, disability rights, sign language bill advocacy, and social inclusion.
Their expertise should allow them to assess the depth of research and accuracy of arguments presented in the essays.

1.5 Availability and Commitment
Judges must be available for all phases of the competition, including essay review, deliberation, and final selection.

They should be able to provide detailed feedback where necessary

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THE BEST ESSAY
2.0. To ensure fairness and quality, essays will be evaluated based on the following key parameters: 2.1 Relevance to the Theme (20%)
The essay must clearly align with the given theme and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter.
It should provide insightful perspectives and not deviate from the central topic 2.2 Originality and Creativity (20%)
The essay should be unique, presenting fresh ideas, perspectives, or solutions rather than repeating commonly known information.
Creativity in argumentation, examples, and storytelling will be rewarded.
2.3 Research and Use of Evidence (20%)
Strong essays will include credible evidence, statistics, or real-life examples to support arguments. Proper citation of sources (if required) will be taken into consideration.
2.4 Impact and Persuasiveness (15%)
The essay should be compelling and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Persuasive arguments that effectively convince or inspire action will score highly.
2.5 Clarity and Coherence (15%)
The essay should be well-structured, with a logical flow from introduction to conclusion.
Each paragraph should be cohesive and contribute to the overall argument.
2.6 Language, Grammar, and Style (10%)
The essay should demonstrate proficiency in language, with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A clear, engaging, and professional writing style will score more marks.

RULES OF PARTICIPATION
 Open to all Zambian young writers aged 18 – 30 years.
 Participants must be residents of Zambia.
 Only one entry per participant is allowed.
 Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to participate.
2. Essay Requirements
 Word Count: 1000 – 1,500 words
 Language: English
 Format: Typed, 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, PDF.
 Originality: Essays must be original and not previously published. Plagiarized content will
result in automatic disqualification.
 References (if applicable): Follow a standard citation style (APA/MLA).
Submission Guidelines
Submission Deadline: May 31st, 2025 (11:59 PM CAT)
 Essays must be submitted via email to advocacy@sililofoundation.org with the subject line: "Sililo Foundation Essay Competition 2025 – [Your Name]".
The email must include:
 Full Name
 Age & Date of Birth (Copy of National Registration Card)
 School/Institution (if applicable)
 Phone Number & Email Address
 A short autobiography of not more than 150 words
Braille Braille
Essay Submissions Submission Guidelines:

 Format: Essays must be written in Standard English Braille (Grade 2 preferred).
 Word Count: 800 – 1,000 words
Delivery Methods of braille submissions:
Hand-delivered to Sililo Foundation’s office (Address: Room number 124, old wing, National Pensions Scheme Authority Building, Mosi-o-tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia).
Mailed via Zambia Postal Services (must be postmarked by May 31st, 2025). Scanned Braille document can be emailed to advocacy@sililofoundation.org
Accompanying Details: Every Braille submission must include a typed transcript (if possible) and a separate page with participant details, including:
 Full Name
 Age & Date of Birth (Copy of National Registration Card)
 School/Institution (if applicable)
 Phone Number & Email Address (or alternative contact person for communication)
 A short autobiography of not more than 150 words
Judging of Braille Submissions:
 Submissions will be reviewed by qualified judges with expertise in Braille literacy.
 The same judging criteria will apply (Relevance to Theme, Originality, Clarity, Grammar,
and Impact).
 If needed, transcriptions will be made for evaluation while ensuring fairness and
authenticity.
Accessibility Support:
Braille
 Participants who need assistance in transcribing their essays into Braille can contact the Sililo Foundation Braille Support Team before the deadline.
 We encourage schools and organisations supporting visually impaired learners or students to assist transcribing the essays and in the submission process.

COMPETITION TIMELINE
📢 Call for Entries: April 14th – May 31st, 2025
📩 Submission Deadline: May 31st, 2025

TERMS & CONDITIONS
➢ By submitting an essay, participants grant Sililo Foundation the right to publish their work (credited to the author).
➢ The judges’ decision is final and not subject to appeal.
➢ Winners must be available for media interviews and award presentations.
➢ Members of the Sililo Foundation are not eligible to participate in this essay writing competition.
For more details, visit our website: www.sililofoundation.com or follow us on Facebook, Tikor, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter (@SililoFoundation).

👨‍⚖ First-Level Judging: June 11th – July 15th, 2025 (Top 30 essays selected)
🏆 Final Round & Public Engagement: July 16th – August 15th, 2025 (Top 10 essays selected)
🎉 Winners Announcement: August 25th, 2025
🏅 Award Ceremony: September 28th, 2025


PRIZES
🏆 1st Prize: ZMW 5,000 + Trophy + Certificate of Excellence + Publication on Sililo Foundation
Website
🥈 2nd Prize: ZMW 3,000 + Certificate of Excellence + Publication on Sililo Foundation Website
🥉 3rd Prize: ZMW 1,500 + Certificate of Excellence + Publication on Sililo Foundation Website
🏅 Top 10 Finalists: Certificate of Participation and Feature on Sililo Foundation Social Media Platforms

SILILO FOUNDATION WRITING ESSAY COMPETITION 2025 – DETAILED TIME PLAN
1.0. January – March 2025: Planning Phase
Key Activities:
1.1. Formation of the Competition Committee: Establish a dedicated team to oversee the competition, including marketing, judge selection, and logistics.
1.2. Budgeting & Resource Allocation: Identify sponsorships, partnerships, and funding sources for prizes, promotions, and logistics.
1.3. Finalisation of Theme and Rules: Define the theme, eligibility criteria, word count, and submission format.
1.4. Judge Selection and Onboarding: Contact potential judges, confirm participation, and brief them on evaluation criteria.
1.5. Social Media Pre-launch Campaign:
1.6. Teasers about the upcoming competition (quotes, thematic hints).
1.7. Engagement posts (polls, Q&A, “Guess the Theme” challenge).

2.0. April 1st – May 31st, 2025: Call for Entries & Promotion
Key Activities:
2.1. Launch Official Advertisements (April 14th 2025)
2.2. Publish competition details on the Sililo Foundation website, social media pages, and local newspapers.
2.3. Partner with radio stations, TV channels, universities, and NGOs to spread awareness.
2.4. Share flyers in schools, libraries, and community centers.
2.5. Social Media Growth Strategies:
2.6. Weekly writing tips from judges, and writing experts, among others.
2.7. “Meet the Judges” posts to build credibility and engagement.
2.8. Hashtag campaign: Create a unique hashtag like #SililoFoundationEssay2025 to track engagement.
2.9. Live Q&A sessions where potential participants ask about the competition.
2.10. Participant Spotlights: Feature early entrants' motivations for joining.
✅ Submission Window Opens (April 21st – May 31st)

3.0. June 1st – June 10th, 2025: Initial Screening of Essays
Key Activities:
3.1. Administrative Screening:
3.1.1. Check all submissions for adherence to rules (word count, theme relevance, plagiarism check).
3.1.2. Remove disqualified entries and notify applicants.
3.1.3. Acknowledgment Emails to Participants.
3.1.4. Thank them for participating and inform them about the next stages.

3.2. Social Media Engagement:
3.2.1. Post fun statistics: “We received X essays from Y different regions!”
3.2.2. Conduct interactive polls: “What’s the most important factor in a winning essay?”
3.2.3. Regular reminders on social media counting down to the deadline.

4.0. June 11th – July 15th, 2025: First-Level Selection (Judges’ Evaluation)
Key Activities:
4.1. Judging Panel Begins Reviewing Essays
4.2. Judges evaluate based on predefined criteria (relevance, originality, grammar, and impact, among others).
4.3. Each essay is scored, and top 30 essays are shortlisted.
4.4. Social Media Growth Strategies:
4.4.1. “What Makes a Great Essay?” – A series of posts with expert writing advice.
4.4.2. Behind-the-scenes content: Judges reading essays (without revealing identities).

5.0. July 16th – August 15th, 2025: Second-Level Selection (Public Engagement and Judges’ Review)​
Key Activities:
5.1. Top 10 Essays Announced on Social Media (July 16th)
5.2. Shortlisted authors are publicly recognized.
5.3. Encourage engagement: “Which essay title excites you the most?”
5.4. Public voting component: Engage the audience by letting them vote for their favorite essay (counts for 10% of final score).

6.0. Final Review by Judges (July 16th – August 15th)
Key activities
6.1. Judges conduct in-depth analysis and rank the top 10 essays.
6.2. Social Media Growth Strategies:
6.2.1. “Meet the Finalists” – Interviews or short bios of top 10 contestants.
6.2.2. Create Instagram Reels & Tikor videos showcasing excerpts from top essays.

7.0. August 25th – August 31st, 2025: Announcement of Top 3 Winners and Top 10 Finalists
Key Activities:
6.1. Judges finalise rankings and select the top 3 essays and top 10 finalists.
6.2. Official announcement of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and top 10 finalists on August 25th.
6.3. Press Release and Media Coverage:
6.4. Announce Winners via Radio, TV, Blogs, and Newspapers.
6.5. Share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn with custom graphics and videos.
6.6. Social Media Growth Strategies:
6.6.1. Winner Reaction Videos (participants record their reactions upon hearing they won).
6.6.2. “Behind the Scenes” – Judges discussing what made the winning essays stand out.

8.0. September 1st – September 27th, 2025: Final Preparations for the Award Ceremony
Key Activities:
8.1. Event Planning:
8.2. Book venue, confirm guest speakers, prepare certificates, and order trophies.
8.3. Arrange media coverage and live streaming setup.
8.4. Final Social Media Push:
8.4.1. “What to Expect at the Sililo Essay Awards” teaser posts.
8.4.2. Daily countdown with past essay competition moments.
8.4.3. Encourage users to guess the winning essay title as part of engagement.
8.5. Invitation of VIP Guests and Partners:
8.5.1. Government officials, NGOs, journalists, and corporate sponsors.
8.5.2. Local authors, educators, community leaders and disability advocacy champions.

9.0. September 28th, 2025: Award Giving Ceremony
Key Activities:
9.1. Live Event
9.2. Recognition of all participants.
9.3. Presentation of certificates of participation to top 10 finalists.
9.4. Winners present their essays or excerpts.
9.5. Award Presentation – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place receive prizes.
9.6. Social Media Growth Strategies:
9.6.1. Live stream the event on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
9.6.2. Post real-time updates, photos, and winner interviews.
9.6.3. Create a highlight reel for Tikor and Instagram Reels.

10.0 Post-Event Engagement
10.1. “What’s Next for Our Winners?” – Follow-up stories about how the competition impacts their careers.
1.2. Blog post summarising the event and winners' success stories.

End