AUSTRALIA-BASED Zimbabwean teen author Tafadzwa Ashely Gore is basking in the glory of scooping a bronze medal at the recently-held prestigious Royal Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 for her remarkable contributions.
The award is the third prize for the respected competition.
“Winning the bronze award in the Royal Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 is quite an achievement considering that thousands of young people from Commonwealth countries participated,” Gore told NewsDay Life & Style on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old, who focuses on non-fiction, was also earlier honoured with an Excellence of Writing award in the global writing competition.
She published her debut book, Unsaid, at the age of 16. The book includes a poem that won the Young Writers Award 2022 and is now preserved in the National Archives of the British Library.
In showcasing her writing prowess, Gore also co-authored two anthologies, the Young Writers Annual Showcase and the Winter Seasonal Verse, in partnership with the British Library.
Gore said writing allows her to connect with others and make a difference in the community.
“Writing has been a lifelong passion for me. I remember scribbling away in my mom’s diary after school and it always brought me such joy. Writing is my comfort zone, my creative outlet, and I truly believe it is my calling,” she noted.
- Zim teen scoops Royal Queen’s Commonwealth award
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“My primary drive is to make a positive impact on readers and contribute to the global community through literature — whether it is sharing knowledge, painting vivid pictures with words, or simply providing an escape.”
She continued: “It is incredible how words have the power to solve problems and inspire change. I am excited to continue this journey and see where it takes me.”
Gore fits into many jackets, including being environmental activist and climate change advocate.
Her passion for environmental activism has seen her collaborating with organisations like STEM Medley, Teen Ink, and journals to promote green literature and environmental advocacy.
This year, she was among participants in the Oxford School of Climate Change Society 2023.
Gore has also partnered Volkswagen through the Shape the Future Challenge and the Rise programme.
Before moving to Australia, Gore was an ambassador at I Have A Voice and the #I Will Movement in the United Kingdom, where she worked tirelessly on sustainable projects.
An ambassador at Remake, Gore’s dedication to sustainable arts earned her a spot on the Creative Scotland 2023 National Young Arts Advisory Board.
Her work has also been recognised by the AFS Global Scholars 2023 programme as one of the 50 science innovators across the United Kingdom.
“My experiences have equipped me with valuable skills to inspire and empower other young people for positive cahange,” Gore noted.
She is currently focused on working with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to improve menstrual health for girls in rural Zimbabwe through eco-friendly means.
“I am passionate about giving back to my community, specifically by addressing menstrual poverty in Zimbabwe with my eco-sanitary menstrual hygiene products project. I am devoting my time and effort to these important causes,” she said.
Gore said her future holds so much promise and was overjoyed to see what unfolds.
“While it is possible that I may redirect some of my projects, I am fully committed to pursuing my career as a young author and environmental activist. Nonetheless, with some potential variations and changes in my projects,” the young author explained.
Gore has spoken at different platforms like the MAHB Stanford University — Our New World Platform podcast.
