Every year on January 27th, the world takes a moment to observe International Holocaust Memorial Day. Not only is this day a moment to learn from the mistakes of the past, but it’s also a moment to take a look at the present moment and recognize which actions must be taken to ensure a safer and better future. One voice from the past who reminds us to take a look at the present is Anne Frank. An extraordinary young Jewish girl, Anne kept a diary while she was in hiding with her family during World War II. In her diary, Anne wrote,

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Those words ring true for us today. We have the ability to make this world a better place for each and every person, if we only take a moment to recognize the potential for goodness that every day holds.

Another person from the past, who encouraged us to make the most of the present, was St. Ignatius in his pursuit of the Magis. As students and members of the Ignatian family, we are invited to join St. Ignatius in his search for the Magis, to bring more into this world and to make the world a better place.

Three years ago, the Jesuit Refugee Service, USA received the Anne Frank Award from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their work in confronting intolerance and advocating on behalf of those on the margins, specifically refugees and migrants. To share this honour JRS/USA created an essay competition with the hope that young people would share their voice, like Anne Frank, and express their hopes, plans and dreams for a better future. Educate Magis is delighted to continue this essay competition and open it to all Jesuit schools around the world again this year, in association with JRS/USA.

About the Essay Competition

In line with the third UAP “To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated in a mission of reconciliation and justice”, this year’s essay contest focuses on hospitality. There are currently 70.8 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. With this in mind our hospitality, open hearts and open minds are more important now than ever.

• Essay Question

Write a story in which one of the characters experiences an act of warmth and hospitality amidst a difficult situation or time in their life which makes a profound impact on them and possibly even changes their life.

• Word Limit

1,500 words +/- 20%

• Contest Guidelines

Essays may be written in English or Spanish. Students must be between 12 and 18years. There will be two categories: 12-15years and 16-18years.

• Submission Guidelines

Students’ essays should be submitted to Educate Magis by their teachers, via the following email address info@educatemagis.org with the subject line: Anne Frank Essay Contest 2020. The students’ essays should include the following information:

Essay Title:

Student’s Name:

Student’s Age:

School Name:

Teacher’s Name:

• Submission Deadline:

April 10^th

• Winners:

There will be one winner selected from each category for each language. Winners will be announced at the beginning of May. The winners will receive an Educate Magis certificate and will have their essay published on the Educate Magis site and shared with the Global Community of Jesuit schools as well as shared and promoted on the JRS/USA Website and Social Media platforms.

Hospitality is a deeply human and Christian value, acknowledging others not because they are members of our family, our community, our race or our religion, but simply because they are human beings and, as such, deserve to be welcomed and respected”. [Fr Adolfo Nicolás SJ, Letter to JRS of 14/11/2010 on the 30^th anniversary of the creation of JRS.]