Rana Mekki, Winner of the Poetry Competition

We are thrilled to announce that Rana Mekki, a Grade 10 student at our school, has achieved remarkable success by winning first place in the "12-18 The Ways of Water" poetry competition. This prestigious event was part of the Oxford Canal Festival, held on September 21st, and attracted over 500 entries from talented young poets across the globe.

Rana’s award-winning poem, The Resilient Flow, captivated the judges with its vivid imagery and profound message. Her work stood out among the numerous submissions for its creativity, depth, and connection to the theme of water.

The competition celebrates the power of poetry to highlight the importance of water as a vital resource, a force of nature, and a source of inspiration. Rana’s poem exemplifies these values, reflecting her passion and exceptional talent.

Following her remarkable victory, we had the opportunity to discuss the story behind her poem and her passion for poetry. Here's what she shared:

What inspired your winning poem?

My inspiration came from my country, Sudan. Sudan is going through a very difficult time due to the ongoing war, and I wanted to connect that struggle to the theme of "The Ways of Water." Water is resilient and keeps moving, even in tough circumstances, just like the people of Sudan who are enduring hardship but continue to survive and fight for a better future.

What did it feel like when you found out you had won the competition?

When I received the news, I was both surprised and overjoyed. Competing against over 500 entries from around the world felt overwhelming at first, but winning was an affirmation of my hard work and creativity. It was a moment of pure excitement.

Was there a particular moment in the competition that stood out to you?

The moment that stood out to me was realizing how powerful poetry can be as a tool to express deep emotions and address real-world issues. Reading the diverse entries from around the world made me appreciate how universal the theme of water was, yet how personal it became for each writer, including myself, as I linked it to Sudan’s struggle.

What first got you interested in poetry?

What drew me to poetry was its power to express emotions and ideas in a way that truly resonates with people. I also want to make the world a better place, and I believe that poetry has a strong voice that can inspire change. Writing gives me the opportunity to raise awareness and express my thoughts about important issues, like what's happening in Sudan, in a meaningful and impactful way.

What’s next for you after this competition? Are there any other writing projects you’re working on?

I’m currently working on poems about hope and child rights, topics that are close to my heart. After winning this competition, I feel motivated to submit to more contests and expand my work. I also want to continue refining my style and exploring how my voice can bring attention to important issues.

Do you have any advice for other students who want to pursue poetry or creative writing?

My advice is to write from your own experiences and emotions. Be fearless in sharing your unique perspective, even if it feels vulnerable. Also, read widely and draw inspiration from others, but always stay true to your voice. Writing is a journey, and the more you write, the more you'll discover about yourself.

Rana's journey is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. Her story not only celebrates her exceptional talent but also highlights the impact of using art to address meaningful causes. Congratulations again, Rana, and we look forward to seeing more of your incredible work in the future!

"The Resilient Flow"

The place I used to visit every time in my hometown, Sudan,
Where the view of stunning crystal streams once bright and clear,
Now dirty in the war land, where depths conceal the light,
The moment where the golden Nile catfish danced in these fresh waters pure,
Now struggling to breathe, their world turned dark and obscure.

Last summer, where the river flowed slowly just like a song, once a melody of life,
Now whispers from far away tales of sorrow and strife.
The children of the village of Nuba laughed and played along the banks,
Now only memories echo that remain in those broken ranks.

Even in these darkest days of war,
We see a chance to heal and to restore.
To cleanse the precious streams and heal the land,
Where the people of this land find strength to stand.

Let’s rise and take action, let us stand,
Together we can bring back this mother nature’s land.
And restore the rivers and streams, clear and bright,
For the sake of our next generation, a future of light.

So let’s turn the tide, make things right,
To save our streams, to end the blight.
And bring back the old days of pure delight.