06.06.2025


The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, the National Directorate of Public Education of Uruguay, and the AGBU Uruguay Branch announce an essay competition for high school students in Armenia and Uruguay dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The first-place winners from Armenia and Uruguay, together with their mentor teachers, will travel to the United States. There, in collaboration with the Genocide Education Project, they will present their essays at various schools across the U.S. and participate in educational and cultural events.

All essays that reach the final stage will be published in a separate quadrilingual volume.

1. Participants

The competition is open to high school students in the Republic of Armenia. Students may participate only if they have a mentor teacher who will support and guide them throughout the entire essay-writing process.

• Each essay must have a single author.
• Each student may submit only one essay.
• The mentor teacher must be one of the student’s current teachers.

2. Competition Phases

The competition will be held in four phases:
First Phase – Application Submission and Preparatory Workshops
After submitting applications, students can participate in three thematic workshops:
• Basics of Armenian Genocide History
• Essay Structure and Writing Techniques
• Oral Defense Skills
Participation in these workshops is not mandatory but is highly encouraged.

Second Phase – Essay Submission
Each student must submit an essay of no more than 6 pages that meets the competition requirements.

Third Phase – Semifinal
A jury in each country will select 10 participants who will present their work in a video of up to 5 minutes. Out of these, 5 participants will advance to the final phase.

Fourth Phase – Oral Defense

Finalists will deliver a presentation in front of the jury, officials, and audience. The presentation may last up to 15 minutes and should be accompanied by slides or visual materials. The first-place winner and their mentor teacher will receive a fully funded trip to the United States to participate in educational events under the sponsorship of the Genocide Education Project and the AGBU Uruguay Branch.

Application for Participation

3. Essay Topics

The main themes of the competition are:

• 110 Years of Struggle: The Armenian Genocide in the Context of Modern Genocides
• Roots of the Struggle: The Impact of the Armenian Genocide on Contemporary Society
• What Can Be Learned from the Past: Lessons of the Armenian Genocide for the Modern World

The jury will evaluate the essay’s research foundation, analytical approach, and development of ideas. Simple descriptions or mere restatements of facts should be avoided. The essay should provoke thought and analysis.

4. Essay Length and Format

• Language: Armenian
• Length: Maximum 6 pages
• Font: Times New Roman, size 12, line spacing 1.5
• The original margins of the text file must be preserved
• The essay must be completely original and unpublished
• Must include a title and a pseudonym (for anonymous evaluation)
• Sources used must be properly cited, with a bibliography at the end

Non-compliance with the requirements will lead to disqualification.

5. Final Phase – Oral Defense

Finalists must:

1. Submit a video up to 5 minutes long, which must be:
• In landscape format
• Of high quality (video and sound)
• Delivered without reading text (natural speech)

2. Deliver a public speech:
• In front of the jury, officials, and audience
• Up to 15 minutes in length
• Accompanied by slides or visual materials

The jury will announce the first, second, and third prize winners and may give special mentions. All finalists’ works will be published in four languages: Armenian, English, Spanish, and Uruguayan Sign Language.

6. Timeline

• Essay submission deadline: August 31, 2025, 23:59, via email: education@genocide-museum.am
• Semifinalists announcement: October 2, 2025
• Video submission: October 9, 2025
• Finalists announcement: October 16, 2025
• Oral defense day: October 30, 2025
• Book presentation: Mid-December 2025
• Final program announcement for the winner: January 30, 2026
• Trip to the USA: February 4–18, 2026

7. Workshops

Three-phase workshops will be held during July–August covering:

• Basics of Armenian Genocide History
• Essay Structure and Writing Techniques
• Oral Defense Skills

Additional information about the workshops will be provided.

8. Jury

Essays submitted at all phases will be evaluated by a specially appointed jury for each country.
The jury’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

9. Awards

Results will be announced immediately after the final presentations.
Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners, along with special jury awards.

First Place
• Fully funded trip to the USA for the student and mentor teacher
• Essay publication in the quadrilingual book
• Certificates for the student and teacher

Second Place
• Book package
• Essay publication in the quadrilingual book
• Certificate

Third Place
• Book package
• Essay publication in the quadrilingual book
• Certificate

Awards for Finalists
• Essay publication in the quadrilingual book
• Certificates for the student and teacher