Prizes Awarded in the Olga Estrella Writing Contest for Visually Impaired

Prizes Awarded in the Olga Estrella Writing Contest for Visually Impaired
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic  12/14/2011

December 13th is Saint Lucia´s Day, the patron saint of the blind. In commemoration of her day, the Olga Estrella National Center for Educational Resources for the Handicapped sponsored an awards ceremony for the winners of the story-writing contest organized by the Center. The objective of the contest is to motivate visually impaired students and to cultivate a love of reading and writing.

“This is what we need, this is what we want – to offer equal opportunities and resources to everyone so they can manifest what they have and what they can do rather than to have people dwelling on their handicap. We want to be able to see the great capabilities and talents they have,” said Minerva Pérez, a teacher.

Winners of the Olga Estrella contest were selected by a jury comprised of journalist and editor, Marivell Contreras; educator and poet, Berenice Pacheco and journalist and writer Edgar Reyes Tejeda.

Jurors recognized and judged the effort, workmanship and talent of the authors who took part in the writing contest and urged them to maintain and perfect their literary vocation.

In the category of children’s stories, Karina Lugo won first prize with her story, “Las hormigas viajeras” (The Traveling Ants) which the jury liked for its simplicity, expressive strength, fluidity, narrative vitality and for the concept of overcoming adversity through perseverance, courage and ingenuity.

Luilly Daniel Abreu took second place with “Un nuevo renacer” (A New Rebirth), for the beauty of its narrative and promotion of brotherly love and moral transformation. Nilsa Mercedes took third place with “El alma de mi pueblo” (The Soul of My People) which the jury praised for its creativity, imaginative resources and excellent narration.

In the category of adult fiction, there was only one prize awarded and it went to Aurelio Almonte for “Lo que arrastra el río” (What the River Carries Away). They liked the use of language, internal coherence and domination of various narrative techniques.

There were also special Olga Estrella prizes handed out and one of them went to Juan Carlos Campusano Castillo for “Vaije a través de mi vida” (A Trip through My Life) for his skill in autobiographical writing and for the positive values he expressed. “Los colores del amor” (Colors of Love) by Lourdes Bencosme, was awarded for its entertainment and didactic value and the handmade beauty of her book which was presented in Braille, in color and beautifully illustrated.

In her closing words,  Minerva Pérez, Director of Orientation, Psychology, and Attention to Diversity, said the writing contest was proof  that there is are no people with handicaps but rather many people with capacities who can use the opportunity to develop them, and that this is a commitment of the Ministry of Education: provide opportunities for development.

Ms. Pérez thanked the jury for supporting the skills and effort of the visually impaired students and adults and the Olga Estrella National Center for Educational Resources for the Handicapped, which operates under the Ministry of Education (MINERD in Spanish) and works to benefit people with visual handicaps.

“This is what we need, this is what we want – to offer equal opportunities and resources to everyone so they can manifest what they have and what they can do rather than to have people dwelling on their handicap. We want to be able to see the great capabilities and talents they have,” said Minerva Pérez, a teacher.

Various blind participants recited poetry at the ceremony and presented fragments of theatrical pieces. Marivell Contreras read the list of winners and poet Berenice Pacheco gave a motivational speech encouraging those who didn’t participate in the contest this year to do so next year.

Those present included Deputy Minister of Education, Luis de León representing MINERD Minister Josefina Pimentel, family members of students, teachers and special guests.

Winners of the contest received such prizes as laptops and televisions, donated by the Once Foundation in Solidarity with Latin America  (FOAL in Spanish) and the Ministry of Education.

The activity was held at the Olga Reyes Center, (former School for the Blind), on Luis Braille Street  #1, Corner of Huáscar Tejeda, in the University Zone.

From left to right: Luilly Daniel Abreu, second place winner in short stories; Luis de León, Deputy Minister of Education; journalist, Edgar Reyes Tejeda; journalist, Berenice Pacheco; Minerva Pérez, Director of Orientation, Psychology, and Attention to Diversity of MINERD and journalist Marivell Contreras.