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The Black History Month essay contest
U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section
February 25, 2010

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On February 25th 2010, the U.S. Embassy honored five Zimbabwean students for essays about their hopes following the ascendancy to the U.S. Presidency by Barack Obama in 2009. The students- Joshua Chirambwe of St. Faith Mission in Rusape, Belinda Bell of Chinhoyi High, Munashe Makoni of St. Ignatius College in Chishawasha, Zandile Moyo of Mpopoma High in Bulawayo, and Asher Guni of Mazoe High School respectively, received certificates, books, and cash prizes, while their schools will receive reference book collections for their libraries.

Students wrote a 500-word essay with the title: "What hope does Barack Obama embody for you as an African youth in the 21st century?" Each high school chose their top two essays to forward to the Embassy. A selection committee comprising graduates of English literature and Zimbabwean students who had studied in the U.S. selected the top ten essays. These were forwarded to the U.S. Ambassador, Charles Ray, who selected the winners. Congratulating the winners, U.S. Embassy Chargé d Affaires, a.i. Katherine Dhanani said the Embassy had received nearly 40 entries from students throughout Zimbabwe. She hailed the quality of the essays received.

"It is gratifying to read about the inspiration and hopes of Zimbabwean youth generated by the success of President Barack Obama. The U.S. government is committed to continue working with the people of Zimbabwe to ensure a bright future for these bright young students," said Dhanani.

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