Promotion of Humanitarian Values

'Even Wars Have Limits' Ottawa Scholarship

Purpose

The Ottawa Branch of the Canadian Red Cross is offering a scholarship to students in Grades 11 and 12 in Ottawa high schools. This initiative is part of our Humanitarian Values Program to increase awareness about and highlight the humanitarian values of the Red Cross, as well as allow students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and compete in a scholarly award.This is the second year of the scholarship program.

Overview

A financial prize of $800.00 will be given to the best essay, whether in English or French. A second prize, whether in French or English, will also be awarded for $400. The students will be asked to write an essay on some aspect of humanitarian values as selected by the Scholarship Committee at the Ottawa Branch.

Eligibility

The award is open to Grade 11 and 12 secondary students who are enrolled full time in an Ottawa Secondary School and who are Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants. Entries must be a result of individual effort. Group work is ineligible.

Application

Interested applicants must prepare and submit a 1,000 to 1,500 word essay on a subject concerning Humanitarian Values. The topics will be determined annually. The questions for 2006-2007 are attached. Students may select a topic of their own interest to highlight humanitarian values and international law. The topic must be confirmed by a Red Cross employee.

Essays will be submitted by February 15, 2007 to the Ottawa Branch of the Red Cross. As submitted essays will not be returned to participants, students are urged to keep a copy for their records. All essays submitted to the Red Cross will remain property of the Red Cross. The copyright remains the property of the entrant. Faxed or email entries will not be accepted. All entries must be typed on 8” by 11” paper. Handwritten work will not be accepted. The name and address of the author must be typed or printed on a separate sheet. The essay must be double spaced, using Times New Roman (size 12).

Scholarship Questions

1. Discuss three ways in which the Red Cross Movement, along with IHL, can protect children in times of war, especially child soldiers and other exploited children.

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2. Using examples of current or recent conflicts, discuss how the blurring of lines between combatants and non-combatants presents a challenge to the implementation of IHL and the work of the Red Cross.

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3. What can a civilian in a war torn country expect from the Red Cross in terms of direct aid, and what can they expect from the Red Cross in terms of indirect aid with regards to IHL?

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4. Why is the issue of small arms important to address in conflict prevention and building a lasting peace following wartime? Include in your answer the role which the Red Cross can or does play in preventing the global proliferation of small arms.

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5. What could the Canadian Red Cross do to promote the relevance and importance of IHL in Canadian Society?

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Scholarship Guidelines and Marking Scheme

1. Knowledge of Issue

· well-researched with a variety of referenced sources

· does the writer answer the question?

· well balanced (reflects more than one point of view)

· explains and Understands the Red Cross’ role in, and relevance to, the topic

· responds to the question presented in the introduction of the essay

2. Fresh Perspective, Enthusiasm and Originality

· reflect original thinking on topic

· use no plagiarism of arguments or writing

· indicate strength of feeling and commitment to topic in the writing

3. Clarity

· ideas will flow easily through the essay

· ideas will be presented in a concise fashion

· ideas will be expressed in the number of words required

4. Structure

· a title which clearly and concisely summarizes the topic.

· an introduction with a clear thesis/statement of intent

· the body of the essay supports the thesis

· a conclusion (at least 3 sentences long) which ties the essay together

5. Referencing

· proper, and consistent referencing – use of footnotes, quotes, etc

· bibliography, including websites used

Marking Scheme

Knowledge = /40
Fresh Perspective, enthusiasm, passion = /20
Clarity = /15
Structure = /20
Referencing = /5

Total = /100

Contact Information

For more information about the Even Wars Have Limits Ottawa Scholarship, please visit our website at www.redcross.ca, In Your Community, Eastern Ontario, or contact, Liz Tyrwhitt, Community Services and Volunteer Coordinator,

Tel: (613)560-7220 ext 301

Fax: (613) 567-6897

We hope you are interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity and this opportunity to learn about international humanitarian law, humanitarian values and the Red Cross, both in Canada and around the world!