Empowering Creative Writers and Journalists
Excerpts from Baalu Girma
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Creative Writing Programs

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Feb 2010: Baalu Girma Foundation hosts a writers workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Workshop Summary. View photos of the event below.

↑ Yemiodish Bekele representing Ethiopian Women Writers Association

↑ Agaredetch Jemaneh presenting Literature and Journalism: A Dilemma of Objectivity and Subjectivity

↑ Participants in partial

↑ Meskerem B. Girma representing The Baalu Girma Foundation

↑ Assistant Professor Zerihun Asfaw presenting Challenges of Short Story Writing

↑ Participants during lunch break

↑ Poetry Reading by Bekelech Tiruye- 3rd place winner of BGF's East African Talent contest

↑ Ato Wondwossen Adane Presenting Challenges of Poetry Writing

↑ Participants in partial

Nov 2009: Baalu Girma Foundation announces winners of the talent contest.

The Baalu Girma Foundation is pleased to announce the 2009 winners of the East African talent.

Poem

The poems were judged by a panel of experts on general quality, form, and content.The 1st place poem won $300, and 2nd place, $200.

1st place“Burning Candle” by Astede Lenjisa, a high school English teacher from Jimma, Ethiopia.

2nd place- “Strength” by Naomi Samuel, a Middle school student from Dallas, Texas.

Honorable Mention- Bekelech Truye from Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Short Story

Entries in this catagory were judged on plot, theme, character, point of view, conflict and setting. While we have no winners in this category, our judges picked:

Honorable Mention- Fekadu Kifle from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

It was a privilege to read everyone’s poem and short story. Congratulations to all the winners and special thanks to all of our judges for their dedication and hard work.
~The Baalu Girma Foundation

Feb 2009: Baalu Girma Foundation launches talent contest.

The Baalu Girma Foundation will be hosting its annual East African creative writers and poets contest beginning February 14, 2009.

The objective of this competition is to inspire talent and enhance public awareness of the region by sharing exceptional stories and poems written by fellow East Africans.

Awards will be given to recognize achievements in two areas: Short Story and Poetry. The top two entries from each category will be selected by a three-member independent judging panel. Winning writers and poets will receive $300.

Competition Guidelines:

  1. The contest is open to East African writers and poets living in or outside of the region.
  2. Entries must be received by August 1, 2009.
  3. All poems must be original and in English (no translations).
  4. Fiction and poems should not exceed 10 (8 ½" x 11") pages.
  5. Contestants are expected to demonstrate original thinking and style in their work.
  6. Contestants are encouraged to present/explore their work against the backdrop of the prevailing socio-economic conditions.
  7. No contestant may submit more than one entry.
  8. Manuscripts can be submitted electronically through the Foundation’s contact page, or via mail at:

    Baalu Girma Foundation
    PO Box 530892
    Livonia, MI 48153-0892

  9. Hard copy submissions will not be returned.
  10. The judge's decisions are final.

Winners will be announced no later than November 1, 2009 on the Baalu Girma Foundation’s website.

Foundation Resources

Additional Resources