FAQs
Who is ChildFund?
ChildFund New Zealand is a non-profit organisation committed to helping children break free from poverty. We are part of the ChildFund Alliance, a worldwide organisation whose members provide assistance to more than 15 million impoverished children and families in 54 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Does it cost anything to enter the Challenge?
We are asking for a nominal fee of $10 to cover the costs of administering the Challenge and sending the book out to you. Alison Quigan and her colleagues are giving their time free of charge.
Can each class at our school submit a script entry?
Three script entries per school may be submitted. If more classes within your school would like to participate, the lead Literacy teacher may want to create a competition among interested classes for the best three scripts to be submitted from your school.
What year should students be in?
The Challenge has been developed for students in senior primary and intermediate school, particularly Year 6, 7 and 8 students. The sample unit plan and worksheets have been created for Level 3 Literacy requirements.
What is Mary's Christmas Yarn?
Mary's Christmas Yarn is a book developed in collaboration with ChildFund and 10 of New Zealand's best storytellers. It was published by Penguin and released in December 2011. The story focuses on Mary, a young Kiwi farm girl, and her quest to find out why families in developing countries might want to receive a sheep for Christmas. She learns the value of giving such a meaningful gift.
How do we get a copy of the book, Mary's Christmas Yarn?
The book will be sent to schools who register for the Challenge and pay the registration fee of $10.
What is the final date for script submissions?
Entries close on Monday, 30 April 2012.
When will the finalists be announced?
Finalist schools will be announced Tuesday, 29 May 2012.
When will the winner be announced?
The winning school will be announced Tuesday, 17 July 2012.
How do we submit our final script?
Please post your typed script on A4 paper to:
ChildFund New Zealand
PO Box 105630
Auckland 1143
Attn: Pens against Poverty Challenge
How will the scripts be judged?
The scripts will be judged on the theatrical use of themes in the book, the development of characters and the entertainment value. Please also see Alison's Script Writing Criteria.
How will a winner be chosen?
Entries will be judged against the script criteria. Five finalists will be selected and invited to perform an excerpt from their script to an expert judge for professional feedback. An overall winner will then be chosen from the five finalists based on further detailed review of the scripts against the criteria and on the judges' view of which will be most successful when performed on stage.
What will the winner receive?
The winning script will be brought to life with a musical score and performed for the public at a Gala premiere event in Auckland by a professional theatre group. The winning school will be invited to attend and see their work live on stage, while enjoying recognition from the wider community for their achievement. All participating schools will also receive a copy of the winning play with the option of performing it for their Christmas production.
How will participating in the Pens against Poverty Challenge help children in developing countries?
The funds raised from the final Gala premiere of the play will help further the education resources of children in developing countries who are eager to learn.
Can my school or class organise a fundraiser for ChildFund?
Organising a fundraiser for ChildFund can be a great way to incorporate social and community action elements into your school's participation in the Challenge. Any money raised will go to projects where it's needed most to help children living in poverty. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about fundraising for ChildFund. Here are a few ideas for fundraising events:
- Hold a bake sale
- Charge a small fee for mufti day and donate the proceeds
- Make bracelets or greeting cards and sell them to raise money
- Host a car wash
- Hold a school-wide garage sale
- Sell ice-blocks after school
- Put on a production of your class's script and ask those attending to donate
Please read the Terms and Conditions for rules of entry.
