This page sets out the criteria for submitting a written Article to the YRE Competition. For more information about the general requirements of the competition visit our National Competition page here!
When you are ready to submit come back to the bottom of this page and use the checklists provided to enable you to make the perfect article submission!
Format Structure
1. No more than 1,000 words (after translation into English).
2. Must include a title of no more than 140 characters.
3. Must be submitted to the National Operator in Microsoft Word format.
4. Must include 1-3 images (photographs, illustrations, diagrams, etc.), each with captions of no more than 20 words. Sources for all images must be given.
5. Must include an introduction, body (supporting paragraphs), and conclusion and answer the questions of who, what, where, why, when, and how.
Honest & Unbiased Reporting
1. Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources.
2. Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.
3. Sources used in the article must be cited using footnotes and a ‘References’ list. This includes citing the original author/source of any images (photographs, illustrations, diagrams, etc.) used in the article.
Remember: Even when citing sources, remember that this is not an academic essay, but a newspaper article. One of its characteristic features is the statements of competent persons, and therefore we recommend that you go to the persons in person or contact them by e-mail or telephone and get information directly from them. It will increase not only the dynamics of the article but also its credibility.
Constructive & Well-Rounded Perspective
1. Articles and reportage videos should be balanced and fair in terms of representing different sides of an argument before suggesting possible solutions.
2. Article should explore the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.
3. The article should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.
4. The article should include relevant, feasible and constructive solutions to environmental issues presented in the article.
Originality & Independence
1. The article is original in content and/or scope. The author has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has approached a topic in a different and/or creative way.
2. The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research and interviews(either in-person or over the phone) outside of their school grounds.
Dissemination
1. A total of 5 points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels:
2. Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the article and published on exposure below the article.
When using images in articles or videos, it is important to ensure that they can legally be used and shared by others. Open source and Creative Commons licensed images may be used, as long as attribution and/or the source is provided through footnotes or a bibliography.
When conducting interviews or taking photographs of people, it is important to receive informed consent from your subject. Therefore, make sure to explain why you would like to interview or photograph them beforehand. You should explain what their interview or photo will be used for (National or International YRE Competition), and where you plan to share your final work.
If you have any additional questions regarding Article criteria, send us an email at YRE@cestint.org
1. Is your article 1000 words or less and in English?
2. Does it have a title?
3. Does it have 1-3 images, for example, photographs, illustrations, or diagrams?
4. Does your article have an introduction paragraph, a body (supporting paragraphs), and a conclusion paragraph?
5. Does your article answer the basic journalism questions of who, what, where, why, when, and how?
6. If you included facts, statistics or other information (which you should!), did you get that information from real and reliable sources?
7. Do you cite all the sources you used in a bibliography at the end?
8. Do you explore the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of your topic through an environmental lens?
9. Do you show a link between local and global issues or events?
10. Do you identify realistic solutions to the environmental problems you present in your article?
11. Did you choose an original topic or approach a topic in a new and creative way?
12. Did you conduct interviews and leave your school to conduct fieldwork?
13. Did you share your article: a) Through your own social media channels? b) At your school? c) With your National Operator? d) With your local or national newspapers, radio stations or TV channels?
14. If you shared your article, do you have evidence of this to give to your National Operator?
If you answered ‘YES’ to all the questions, then you’re ready to submit your work to the YRE Competition!
Attach your finished work to an email titled "YRE Competition + Your name" and send it to yre@cestint.org
We look forward to seeing your submission. Good luck from all of us at the YRE Ghana Team!
Disclaimer: Information on this page is originally from resources provided by YRE Global under Foundation for Environmental Education and the resources provided for the YRE International Competition. https://www.yre.global/yre-competition