Certificate in Poetry Writing & Publication (CPWPP) – Bayimba Centre for Visual and Performing Arts

Emboozi Teba Nkadde Poetry Scholarship

Public Call for Applications

“FOR THE PENS THAT SHOUT AND THE MOUTHS THAT SHUT”

Bayimba Foundation is inviting 1,000 young poets to join a comprehensive scholarship program. Delivered by Kitara Nation and Steadman Global. We are dedicated to professionalizing the art of poetry, providing young creatives with the technical skills to turn their talent into a viable career.

Whether you are a high school student, a resident of a refugee settlement, or a young person living with a disability (PWD), your voice is a national treasure. We want to work with you publish it.

The Program: From Inspiration to Income

The CPWPP is a 3-month (12-week) accredited course designed to fix the “haphazard” nature of self-publishing. You will move through five intensive modules:

Module 1: Foundations (CPWPP 101): Composition, rhythm, and the art of critiquing.
Module 2: Editing (CPWPP 102): Mastering style, structure, and digital/manual archiving.
Module 3: Publishing (CPWPP 103): The technical side—compiling manuscripts, titling, and thematic layout.
Module 4: Protection (CPWPP 104): Copyright law, IP protection, and acquiring your ISBN.
Module 5: The Market (CPWPP 105): The “24-Hour Sell-out” strategy and financial literacy.

Inclusive Scholarship Details

Total Slots: 1,000 Students (across High Schools, Refugee Settlements, and PWD Communities).
Accreditation: Accredited Certificate with 20 Credit Units (CU).
The Goal: Every participant will work toward the collective creation and launch of a professional poetry anthology.
The Final Project: A public Book Launch and a presentation of your marketing strategy to a professional panel.

Entry Requirements

We are looking for writers who are already putting pen to paper. To apply, you must submit:

A Portfolio: 10 original, handwritten poems.
Eligibility: You must be a High School student OR a young person (18–35) within our target refugee and PWD communities.
Commitment: Readiness to attend 90 total contact hours (Monday–Wednesday lectures, Thursday practicals, Friday assessments).

Why This Matters

Uganda has many “talented” poets, but few “professional” ones. This program bridges that gap by providing:

Industry Tools: Learn how to handle ISBNs and Copyright.
Market Readiness: You won’t just write a book; you will find 10 buyers before you even graduate.
Safe Spaces: An inclusive environment designed for young women and marginalized voices to thrive.