The Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta is an initiative that seeks to channel youth creativity towards countering the violent extremist narrative. The competition incorporates short films, poetry, and music and is open for youth in Kenya under 35 years.
According to the Lenga Ugaidi organization, terrorism is a global challenge that threatens peace across the world, and Kenya being a victim of past attacks has a responsibility to fight and discourage radicalization of our youth.
The competition targets the youth to join in the fight against radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism through film and the arts.
The 2018 edition of the competition began on October 1, 2018 and is expected to run until November 16, 2018 as the deadline for entry submissions.
As a requirement for the competition, participants are required to create a short video, poem or song that is not more than five minutes long. The piece of art must to illustrate how violent extremists use social media to recruit and radicalize the youth and how the youth can use online platforms to counter violent extremists’ narratives.
The winner of the competition will be announced on December 5, 2018. The prizes include Ksh. 500,000 for the winner, Ksh. 250,000 for 1st runners-up, Ksh. 100,000 for 2nd runners-up, and a smartphone or laptop for the youngest entrant.