Celebrating Voices. Inspiring Change. Empowering Youth.

The Annual Vweta Chadwick Poetry Prize is ASHA’s flagship initiative to celebrate creativity, amplify youth voices, and encourage literary excellence. This prize provides a platform for young writers, especially girls and marginalized youths, to express themselves, share their stories, and inspire communities through the power of poetry.

Why the Prize Matters

Poetry is more than words on a page — it’s a tool for advocacy, reflection, and empowerment. The Vweta Chadwick Poetry Prize seeks to:

• Give young writers a voice in issues affecting their communities

• Encourage creative expression as a tool for personal growth and social change

• Promote literacy, critical thinking, and storytelling skills

• Recognize and celebrate excellence in poetic craft

Who Can Enter

The prize is open to:

• Youths aged 13–25 years

• Students and emerging writers in schools, colleges, and universities

• Poets from underserved communities and diverse backgrounds

We welcome entries in all languages, styles, and formats, encouraging originality, creativity, and authenticity.

How to Participate

1. Submit Your Poem – Upload your original work via our online submission form.

2. Adhere to Guidelines – Poems should be between 20–500 words. Each participant may submit one entry.

3. Engage with the Community – Selected participants may be invited to workshops, mentorship sessions, and ASHA literary events.