MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The winner of a short story writing competition for youth in the Southern Cape has been announced. Her name is Yusra Raju (17) and her book is titled, The courage to be me.
The competition was organised by Berenicegroup Incorporated, with the help of Gemini Model and Talent Agency, OneLife Publisher and Harmony Sounds.
The story had to be a maximum of 3 000 words and address issues relevant to the youth and offer a solution.
It could be in English or Afrikaans. Entrants had to be 12 to 21 years old and live in the Southern Cape.
The competition was publicised on social media, EdenFM and in the Mossel Bay Advertiser newspaper, as well as the newspaper website and Facebook page.
Berenice Kogana, who owns Berenicegroup, is a published author and a coach of book writers.
Members of Gemini Model and Talent Agency read the book at an event on 21 June at the Town's House in Mossel Bay, where the winner was announced.
Kogana described The courage to be me as a "heartfelt and relevant story for today".
She said: "It is about a girl being bullied at school and the positive impact of a supportive teacher. Tears flowed while the story was read."
The judge of the writing competition was Yolandi Claassens, a Mossel Bay author.
Claassens is the founder of Skryftyn, a local writing group and also an online writers' platform, Woordeliefhebbers.
Prize
Yusra won a cash prize, book writing coaching, six-months' membership of Gemini and her story will be published as an e-book, as part of her prizes.
Kogana noted: "I really wish all learners and teachers could read Yusra's book.
"Her story has so much hope and offers solutions.
"I think every girl and boy could relate to her experiences. I will help her to distribute her e-book to schools."
Yusra was born in Johannesburg and has lived in Mossel Bay since she was eight years old.
She is home-schooled.
She says: "I'm passionate about reading and writing stories that inspire and uplift others.
"When I'm not writing, you can find me cooking, baking, playing sports or expressing myself through art. Drawing and painting are my favorite hobbies.
"I'm excited to share my work with others and connect with fellow book lovers."
Yolandi Claassens, Yusra Raju and Berenice Kogana.
BELOW: The book being read at the event.
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