WriteOn! 2026

WriteOn! History

In 2003, a group of Peace Corps Georgia volunteers established the Writing Olympics to promote creativity and critical thinking among students in developing countries. Three years later, Armenia and Azerbaijan competed in the first Trans-Caucasus Writing Olympics. In 2009, Moldova joined the competition. Thanks to outreach efforts by Peace Corps volunteers and staff, the number of participating countries has since doubled to include Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Ukraine. The project, now known as the Write On! Competition (WOC), continues to expand across borders. 

Competition Objectives

For teachers, the competition provides an opportunity to develop students' English language skills using methods not often included in standard curriculum. For students, the contest provides an outlet for free expression and an incentive for further language development. For PCVs, WriteOn! is an opportunity to get involved, be inspired, and have fun on a secondary project. For donors, this is an opportunity to encourage creativity in students living in developing countries.


How It Works

The WriteOn! Competition (WO!) is judged on a national and international basis. Starting in December, Peace Corps volunteers and local teachers begin preparing students in their communities. National competitions are held January through February. National organizers facilitate participation across all interested Peace Corps communities. Students from 6th grade to 12th grade are encouraged to participate. Students select one of two age appropriate prompts and are given one hour to respond, in English, without assistance. Entries are judged based on the merit of their creativity and inspiration, rather than on grammar or spelling. Each community organizer submits the entries to national judging. National judging is held by a panel of Peace Corps volunteers and host country nationals. Essays that win awards advance to International Judging.