Mary Slessor Centenary - Events

Centenary Celebrations Proposal

Sponsoring Body Mr James Shearer, Deacon Convenor of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee. Contact: Ron Scrimgeour, Collector, [email protected]

Title of Project Mary Slessor Writing Competition

Aims and objectives To promote a wider awareness of Mary Slessor, her life, times and her accomplishments through a fictional narrative. To honour a Dundee weaver who gave a powerful example of the impact women can make in adversity. To provide a personal insight into Mary’s struggle to be accepted as a missionary. To highlight the culture and practices she faced in Calabar. To inspire pride in the City of Dundee in the young people taking part in the competition.

Year Group S2 pupils in all City of Dundee Secondary Schools and the High School of Dundee. Each school would submit 2 entries in each category. Outline Word limit 800 words There will be 2 categories -fiction and non-fiction. This is to reflect the new school curriculum. It enables equal importance to be given to fiction and non-fiction in the new exam structure and to equalise gender differences. Often boys prefer to write non-fiction. The choice of genre will be left to the writers. Some pupils may wish to enter a play script, poetry, a fictional narrative, newspaper article or other forms as it suits individual styles and strengths.

Submission Date 20th March 2015

Awards or prizes The winner in each of the two sections will each receive an iPad, tablet or mini laptop. An engraved trophy marking the success will also be provided to each pupil. The schools will advise on the most suitable IT device for aspiring writers.

Awards Ceremony A central location will be chosen that articulates with other centenary events. This may be the Verdant Works Mary Slessor Exhibition, City Chambers with Lord Provost hosting, or the McManus Gallery. Other venues will be considered.