### Prize for ecological literature: an ambitious initiative at the service of environmental awareness
This Thursday, June 5, was held the third edition of the Prize for Ecological Literature (Liteco) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This competition, which attracts the attention of educational and literary circles, aims to awaken in young people an ecological conscience through writing. By bringing together students from 16 schools in Kinshasa, this initiative testifies to a collective desire to highlight the importance of environmental issues that affect our contemporary society.
### A competition committed for the future
With 183 students registered and 12 prizes awarded, the competition highlights the growing interest of young people for ecological issues. The big winner, Eliezer Mankoni Kongolo, pupil of the Don Bosco college, expressed his emotion by receiving his prize. His words resonate as a call to responsibility: “It touched me a lot. I thank the organizers for this initiative which pushes us to distinguish ourselves, not only for the price, but also for the environment where we live by preaching the example. ” This statement highlights a crucial aspect of this competition: it is not only a question of rewarding literary talents, but rather of creating a new dynamic of engagement in favor of the environment.
##Ring rigorous selection criteria
The rigor of the jury, which examined the works taking into account the relevance of the theme, originality and literary quality, recalls the importance of education in the formation of an ecological conscience. The choice of this year theme, focused on afforestation and reforestation, resonates particularly in a country that faces growing environmental challenges, such as deforestation. The messages transmitted through literature are powerful; They make it possible to sensitize in a lasting way, by encouraging reflection on the consequences of our actions.
### Awakening consciences
The organizers of the competition, Marthe Bosuandole and her team, were able to create a framework conducive to reflection. Julie Ndaya, one of the organizers, evokes the importance of harmonizing the relationship between man and nature. This global vision not only encourages young people to write about ecology, but it also encourages them to become actors of change. Can we then consider that these young writers positively influence their social environment by communicating their commitment and sharing ideas on the preservation of the environment?
### Towards sustainable education
Founded in 2022, the Liteco competition illustrates a tendency towards education for ecological consciousness, integrating preservation values in the school curriculum. However, it would be interesting to discuss the methods to extend this type of initiatives to other regions of the country, as well as to different levels of education. How to perpetuate this momentum and make it even more inclusive? The establishment of training or writing workshops in schools could strengthen students’ commitment and allow them to explore environmental issues more in depth.
### A look to the future
Beyond the awards awarded, this initiative has a collective ambition for the future. The DRC, with its wealth in biodiversity, could benefit from a youth made aware and ready to defend its natural heritage. The question remains: how to transform this interest into concrete actions? Institutional support, associated with continuing education programs, could be decisive in the implementation of such a vision.
In conclusion, the price of ecological literature represents more than a simple competition: it embodies an approach of education and awareness of the preservation of the environment. An opportunity to reflect on the impact that words can have on collective conscience and to build a greener and lasting future together. This initiative could thus serve as a springboard towards the construction of a solid ecological culture within the young generations. The road still seems long, but it begins with this kind of initiatives carrying hope.