Translation students awarded prizes in the literary competition “Aicinājums” (“The Call”)
June 17, 2025
At the end of May, the results of this year's literary competition "Aicinājums" were announced at the Jānis Akuraters Museum, revealing new features of Latvia's future literary scene. The competition, which has been held for 49 years, helps promote the growth of young writers and supports them through various events. This year, participants submitted 87 poetry and prose works for evaluation. The jury, consisting of Džena Andersone, Krista Anna Belševica, Guntis Berelis, Dainis Deigelis, Kristīne Ilziņa, Kristaps Vecgrāvis, and Kaspars Zalāns, selected the best works in each category and age group.
In the prose category for the third age group (19–21), prize-winning places, diplomas, and gifts were also awarded to Ilze Jaunzeme (2nd place) and Roberta Šarlote Andersone (3rd place), students of the Bachelor's program "Translation and Language Technology" at the Faculty of Translation Studies, thus earning free tickets to participate in the summer seminar, which will take place from August 11 to 15 at the Jānis Akuraters Museum.
Ilze admits that she managed to jump on the "last train," as 21 seemed like the last moment to do so, but the attempt was not in vain and even resulted in a place, participating for the first time: "It is a sign that I need to continue, and it encourages me to be more active in the literary field. I saw so many children who received awards in other age categories. It is heartening to see that so many people love books and writing. This love will pay off."
Šarlote comments on the event as follows: "Our debut in 'Aicinājums' was a burst – participating once and for all, we received prize-winning places." She also notes that she was pleased by the comment of writer Kristīne Ilziņa, that each participant present has the opportunity to find their voice, as long as they continue on the path they started and do not give up writing.
The laureates of the last age group are offered several opportunities to continue developing their literary careers, such as publication opportunities in literary magazines, participation in creative workshops led by renowned Latvian and foreign authors, and participation in international literature festivals and reading sessions. The next step for young authors could be masterclasses and events organised by the Literary Academy.
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is proud of Ilze's and Šarlote's achievements and wishes them to continue finding their voice in the world of words!
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