Pens Against Poverty – Writing for Change

Earlier this year young writers from across Australia put pen to paper and used their creativity to address pressing social issues through the Pens Against Poverty writing competition organised by Anglicare Australia.

The annual competition, an official Anti-Poverty Week activity, invites students in Years 3 to 10 to submit original stories and poems that highlight the issues of poverty, inequality, and the resilience of people experiencing disadvantage.

Students are encouraged to use their voices to advocate for change while fostering empathy and critical thinking about societal challenges.

From the hundreds of submissions received this year three Trinity students were announced as winners in three different categories and another two were highly commended for their submissions. 

Year 7 & 8 Poetry

• WINNER: Manyang Manyang (Year 7), HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gurnoor Bhinder (Year 8)

Year 9 & 10 Stories

• WINNER: Leo Bateman (Year 9)

Year 9 & 10 Poetry

• WINNER: Taranpreet Grover (Year 9), HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kaelin Marett-Guest (Year 9)

Additionally, Trinity College was awarded the Jackie French School Award in recognition for the high-quality writing that was reflected across all 71 unique Trinity College student entries. The award is named in honour of Jackie French, who has been a supporter of Pens Against Poverty since the competition first launched. 

Manyang, Leo and Taranpreet all travelled to Canberra in the first week of December to receive their awards personally at a special presentation and teacher Meggie Ayris was also on hand to represent the College and receive the Jackie French Award.

Congratulations to all.