Gratitude

In 2022, the Untold Tales Youth Writing Competition was founded by a high school student, Leif Waage-Pickle, in collaboration with the United Nations International Organization for Migration (UN IOM) in Norway, the Inter-African Committee (IAC) in Norway, and Oslo International School. 

Deep thanks, first and foremost, goes to youth worldwide who are building a better tomorrow by telling stories today. With all of us, anything is possible. 

Immense gratitude also goes to Mr. Gray, who taught the Service Learning course that sparked the idea for this writing competition. This competition would never have happened without you, Mr. Gray. It is because of your work, passion, and enthusiasm that the Untold Tales Youth Writing Competition exists. Your teaching is truly transformational. 

For extraordinarily powerful and memorable speeches in our “Service Learning” class, as well as  support throughout the process of creating and launching this competition, thanks also goes to Neneh Bojang and the Inter-African Committee (IAC) in Norway. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you and the IAC team.

Heartfelt thanks also go to Homa Hassan and Emil Andersen of the United Nations International Organization for Migration (UN IOM). When it feels as if the world is tearing itself apart – with wars, climate change, human rights atrocities, and a pandemic – it is easy to forget how good people can be. You both show that deep human kindness is not only possible, but is happening every day. It has truly been an honor to work with you both. 

Immense thanks go to each member of the judging committee, who offered their time to read and discuss each entry, including: Neneh Bojang, Franceska Engelstad, Dr. Isabel Ibaceta Gallardo, Ryan Gray, David Gutfeld, Homa Hassan, Ndey Jobarteh, Amina Mahama, Sylvia Fasel Mayor, Francie Salle, Maimuna Sey, and Leif Waage-Pickle. Thank you for giving your time to this youth writing competition. 

I am also grateful for Paul Sanders, Head of School at the Oslo International School, and his wholehearted and unwavering support of this project. 

For creation of our logo, as well as the cover of the 2022 book, we offer our deep thanks to Zara Baastad-Korhonen. It has been an honor to work with someone as gifted as you. 

For designing the award certificates, thanks go to Lair Argentin Hanzen. Your collaboration, on this project, and so many others, has meant the world to me.

Finally, for all of the organizations that share information about the Untold Tales Youth Writing Competition, we are grateful, including the International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers, and their affiliates 826 Valencia (co-founded by Dave Eggers and Nínive Calegari).

A thousand thanks to all who are in our Untold Tales Youth Writing community, which is focused on building a better tomorrow by telling stories today.