The objective of the School Competition is to create an opportunity for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and learners with special needs to develop knowledge and create social awareness through their own personal experiences and everyday concepts whilst engaging with others. The intention of this school competition is to enhance individuals' capabilities and ways of being in the world through writing and creativity centered on their lived experiences. The success of literacy and learning demands collaborative efforts that encompass more than the teacher and the student, but one that also includes the school, family, and the community at large. Writing and creativity plays an important role in shaping individual expressions within the society, and it brings a sense of inclusiveness. When it comes to persons with physical and cognitive impairments, their needs are seldom considered when designing projects due to lack of sensitization. WiCDS comprehends the aspects and experiences affecting persons with special needs and engages in alerting and sensitizing institutions to improve their spaces to accommodate every human being.

Winning pieces will be selected by two expert judges and the selected pieces will be presented and read by learners at an Award Ceremony during the conference where they will receive in-depth feedback from expert judges and global scholars. The winners will get prizes to enhance their learning and education. ITSI's support on the competition is important in providing an inclusive learning environment. After the ceremony, the winning pieces will be disseminated throughout various national and social media platforms with the aim of generating discussion and dialogue about the paralyzing effect of broader structural issues that have previously shaped power relations and will continue to do so if not adequately addressed. The winning pieces will also be archived and showcased on the WiCDS website. We have included images from last year's school competition along with the call for submissions that was circulated to learners.

PARTNERS
We have initiated partnership with three organizations, Afrika Tikkuun, Children's Memorial Institute (CMI) and Girls & Boys Town (GBT). These organizations will bring expertise in reaching out to high school learners in diverse families and disadvantaged communities whom they already provide holistic developmental programs and interventions for through their various centres across Gauteng.