International Peace Essay Contest
Created to give an opportunity for visually impaired young people to express their feelings of peace, the International Essay Contest is a staple of Lions clubs around the world. Lions work with local schools and area families to identify young people who are interested in participating and who could benefit from this program. One grand prize winner will receives an award and US$5,000.
The 2024-2025 Contest
Peace Without Limits
For peace to be anything more than a possibility, we need to make it a priority. This year, we’re asking our young students to write an essay that speaks to our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limits.
Contest Guidelines
Students who are visually impaired, ages 11, 12 or 13 on November 15, are eligible to participate. Each essay must be submitted with a completed entry form. Essays must be no longer than 500 words in length, submitted in English, typed in black ink and double-spaced.
The 2023-2024 Essay Winner
“Dare to Dream”
Yetka Yağiz Demírtas
12 years old
Türkiye
Sponsored by the Istanbul Altinepe Lions Club
Past Winners
Take a look back at the winning essays and essay winners throughout the years.
- 2022-2023 “Lead With Compassion” by Keaton Hamilton age 11: Read the Essay | Watch the Video
Sponsored by: Newmarket Lions Club
- 2021-2022 "We Are All Connected" by Shreya Zoy age 13: Read the Essay | Watch the Video
Sponsored by: Mannuthy Agri City Lions Club
- 2020-2021 “Peace Through Service” by Joshua Wood age 13: Read the Essay | Watch the Video
Sponsored by: Brisbane Camphill Carindale Lions Club
- 2019-2020 “Journey of Peace” by Joseph Critchlow age 13: Read the Essay | Watch the Video
Sponsored by: City of Liverpool Lions Club, United Kingdom
- 2018-2019 "Kindness Matters" by Mikayla Ansley, age 11: Read the Essay | Watch the Video
Sponsored by: Blyth Lions Club, Canada
- 2017-2018 "The Future of Peace" by Ely Potter, age 13: Read the Essay | Watch the Video
Sponsored by: Delaware Lions Club, Ohio, USA
- 2016-2017 "A Celebration of Peace" by Charlie Bruskotter, age 12: Read the Essay
Sponsored by: Delaware Lions Club, Ohio, USA
- 2015-2016 "Share Peace" by Joel Greek, age 12: Read the Essay
Sponsored by: Gordons Bay Lions Club, Republic of South Africa
- 2014-2015 "Peace, Love and Understanding" by Jalen Ballard, age 12: Read the Essay
Sponsored by: Sylvania Sunrise Lions Club, Ohio, USA
- 2013-2014 "Our World, Our Future" by Ashish Karki, age 12: Read the Essay
Sponsored by: Kathmandu Ramechhap Lions Club, Nepal
- 2012-2013 "Imagine Peace" by Maura Loberg, age 11: Read the Essay
Sponsored by: Wayne Lions Club, Wayne, Nebraska, USA
- 2011-2012 "Children Know Peace" by Mikaela Smith, age 12: Read the Essay
Sponsored by: Chesterton Lions Club, Indiana, USA
- 2010-2011 "Power of Peace" by Amy Bosko, age 12: Read the Essay
Sponsored by: Villa Park Lions Club, Illinois, USA
