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Calling on all African Christian Writers!!!

Are you a scribe (writer) or aspiring to be? Scribes who participate in this award programme will become better writers at any stage, because you will be in touch with editors, engage with readers and become published authors.

 Every great writer begins with a single story.

The Satayaa Africa Foundation Awards for Christian Stories (SAFACS) is more than a writing competition; it is a movement committed to raising a new generation of Christian storytellers whose words reflect Christ and transform lives.

Whether you have never written before, struggle with writing, or are looking for a community to sharpen your gift, SAFACS 2026 was designed with you in mind.


 WHO CAN APPLY?

 

  • Aspiring Christian writers

  • First-time writers

  • Writers who desire to improve

  • Writers who struggle with consistency

  • Christian creatives passionate about storytelling

  • Anyone willing to learn and grow


No previous publishing experience is required.

Satayaa Africa Foundation Awards For Christian Stories 

Writing ABBA's Heart

Guidelines

REGISTRATION

  • Registration opens: 17 July, 6:00 PM

  • Registration closes: 31 July, 6:00 PM

 

HOW TO REGISTER - Registration Challenge (Compulsory)

  1. Registration for SAFACS 2026 is only considered complete after the participant successfully completes the Registration Challenge:

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WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION CHALLENGE?

  • STEP 1 - Write an original response of 100–150 words to the official registration writing prompt - 'A voice worth listening to'

  • STEP 2 - Publish the response as an Instagram caption or carousel.

  • STEP 3 - Tag and request collaboration from @satayaascribescommunity on Instagram before posting your caption or carousel.

  • STEP 4 - Use the official hashtag #SAFACS2026.

  • STEP 5 - After doing all the above, participants can then go ahead to fill this form and ensure to include the link to the Instagram post in the registration form.

  • Failure to complete all 5 steps before filling the form or missing the registration deadline will result in an incomplete registration, and the participant will not proceed to the competition.

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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • Participants must submit before deadlines, follow the word count and prompt, use approved submission channels, complete all required Google Forms, share required Instagram posts where applicable, and use the correct email subject if instructed. Failure to follow any instruction results in immediate disqualification.


WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Three weeks of intensive Write-a-thon sessions (note that there will be 3 write-a-thon sessions during which the classes will hold. You will be expected to be in those 3 classes.)

  • You will be required to join a WhatsApp group or follow a WhatsApp Channel

  • Weekly live trainings

  • Writing prompts are released during each session, and writing exercises must be submitted during each session. No take-home assignments

  • Feedback and learning opportunities

  • Community interaction

  • Opportunity to compete for cash prizes


COMPETITION STRUCTURE

  • Registration → Orientation → Write-a-thon Week One → Week Two → Week Three → Internal Screening → Top 10 Finalists → Judges' Review → Winners' Announcement


ELIMINATION POLICY

  • Missed deadlines, incorrect submission channels, failure to complete required steps, ignoring instructions, plagiarism, AI-generated work, or attempts to manipulate the competition will result in disqualification.


AI POLICY

  • All competition entries are written live during scheduled Write-a-thon sessions. Use of AI tools (including ChatGPT) to generate competition entries is prohibited. Confirmed AI use leads to immediate disqualification.


JUDGING PROCESS

  • Entries undergo internal review before only the Top 10 proceed to external judges. Judges' decisions are final.


JUDGING CRITERIA

  • Alignment with the gospel of Jesus

  • Originality

  • Creativity

  • Alignment with the writing prompts given

  • Story structure

  • Character development

  • Grammar and language

  • Emotional impact

  • Overall quality


PRIZES

  1. SAFACS 2026 winner – ₦250,000.00

  2. Category to be decided -  â‚¦150,000

  3. Category to be decided -  â‚¦100,000


DATA SUPPORT

  • Participants progressing beyond the Second Write-a-thon session may qualify for a ₦5,000 data grant subject to sponsorship availability.


IMPORTANT RULES

  • Maintain respectful conduct, produce only original work, meet deadlines, attend required sessions, and respect organizers' decisions.


COPYRIGHT

  • Authors retain copyright while granting Satayaa Africa Foundation permission to feature and promote shortlisted and winning entries.


COMMUNICATION

  • Updates will be shared via Email, Official WhatsApp Group, and Satayaa Africa Foundation social media pages.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can beginners apply?
Yes. SAFACS 2026 is intentionally designed for beginners and aspiring Christian writers.

Do I need to have published a book?
No. Previous publishing experience is not required.

Can I miss a Write-a-thon?
No. Attendance and timely participation are compulsory unless otherwise communicated by the organizers.

Can I use AI?
No. AI-generated competition entries are prohibited and will lead to disqualification.

What happens if my internet goes off?
Participants are encouraged to prepare ahead with reliable connectivity. Organizers may communicate contingency measures where applicable, but missed deadlines due to connectivity issues are not guaranteed to be excused.

How are winners selected?
After internal screening, the Top 10 entries are reviewed by judges using the published judging criteria. The judges' decision is final.

ABOUT SAFACS
SAFACS exists to discover, nurture, and celebrate Christian writers whose stories reflect Christ and shape culture through mentorship, community, and meaningful storytelling.


 
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