Call for entries: Counterterrorism initiative in Kenya

Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta was launched last year by the Centre for Sustainable Conflict Resolution in partnership with the Nuvision, Nailab, Epuka Ugaidi and the National Counterterrorism Centre. It seeks to promote the fight against violent extremism organisations (VEOs) through music, poetry and short film.

The winner will receive 500 000 Kenyan shillings ($5 000) while the runner-up will get a laptop. A third award will be a smartphone that will go to the youngest participant. Additionally, the winning video in each category will receive 100 000 Kenyan shillings. 

Interested participants can submit entries in the following categories:

• Peer responsibility: Calls for entries will focus on identifying early warning signs of radicalisation among peers. Participants should illustrate the early warning signs of radicalisation among young people.
• How to effectively and responsibly respond to terror attacks: Participants should demonstrate how to effectively and responsibly respond in the unfortunate event of a terror attack.
• The role of social media in radicalisation and terrorism: Entries should illustrate how violent extremists use social media to recruit and radicalise the youth, as well as how the youth can use online platforms to counter violent extremists’ narratives.
• The role of women and children in radicalisation and terrorism: Participants are expected to explore the new phenomenon of female terrorists and how women can spearhead the fight against recruitment, radicalisation and terrorism.
• The true meaning of jihad: Jihad is arguably the most misused term in Islam and the task for participants will be to exemplify the ‘best jihad’ and its prerequisites, different forms of jihad and the challenge the extremists’ jihad narratives juxtaposition with the Quran and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad.

The deadline for applications is 16 November 2018 (11pm EAT). Successful participants will be announced on 5 December 2018. 

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to individuals aged between 15 and 35 years who are involved the following art forms:

• Music
• Film
• Poetry

Requirements and mandatory documents

Participants need provide the following:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• A copy of your ID

Note that participants under 18 must submit the ID of a parent or official guardian.

Applicants need to send their entries and supporting documents via:

• WhatsApp/Telegram: +254770886246
• Google Drive: lengaugaidi@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta's official website.