The Miles Morland Writing Scholarship 2017 opens its entries for entries on June 30. The entry period ends on Tuesday, October 31st.
The Miles Morland Foundation based out of London, UK first came to the notice of many in the African literary scene when they supported many initiatives across the continent. They helped fund literary festivals in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa and Somaliland. They also supported cultural initiatives in east, west, central and southern Africa; London’s Film Africa festival, the Caine Prize for African Writing, several African educational initiatives and the new Rhodes scholarships for Africans.
In 2013, the foundation set up the Miles Morland Scholarship to support African authors who need to finish a work of fiction and need to take a break to do the work. The first recipients of the scholarship were Doreen Baingana, Tony Mochama and Percy Zvomuya. Since then the scholarship has extended to both fiction and nonfiction.
The recipients announced in 2014 were Simone Haysom (South Africa), Ahmed Khalifa (Egypt), Ndinda Kioko (Kenya), and Yewande Omotoso (Nigeria-Barbados). In 2015 the honours went to Bolaji Odofin (Nigeria), Karen Jennings (South Africa), Akwaeke Emezi (Nigeria), Noo Saro-Wiwa (Nigeria), and Fatin Abbas (Sudan). The 2016 scholars were Abdul Adan (Somalia), Ayesha Harruna Attah (Ghana), Lidudumalingani Mqombothi (South Africa), and Nneoma Ike-Njoku (Nigeria).
As you can see from this list, Miles Morland scholars are some of the most diverse and well known on the African literary scene. Apart from the UK pounds £18,000 for fiction and £27,000 grant, this scholarship program quickly puts you as a “star to watch” for publishers and other industry players.
The foundation is set to open their doors to the next group of would be scholars. You had better polish off your book concepts and prepare to send them to starting June 30. Yes that’s June 30. I know you are eager to get in but try and follow the rules this one. Click here for more information on eligibility rules.
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