Borderless | Estudar no Exterior

About the Program

The Never Such Innocence 2025/26 Competition invited young people aged 9-18 to explore the theme "In Someone Else's Shoes" through poetry, art, and song. Participants were encouraged to imagine life from another person's perspective, reflecting on stories of conflict past and present. The competition aims to give young voices a platform on important global issues. Winners will have their work published and showcased internationally and receive an NSI prize pack. All participants receive a personalised certificate of commendation.

The 2025/26 competition is now closed (deadline was 27 February 2026). Winners and participation certificates are expected to be sent by 27 April 2026. No 2026/27 competition has been announced as of April 2026.

Eligibility

Entries must address the competition theme: "In Someone Else's Shoes". Submissions must be original work and not infringe any copyrights or other third-party rights. AI-generated content is not accepted in any category. Only one entry per category per individual or group is permitted, but entrants may submit to multiple categories (e.g., a poem and a piece of art). Entries may be in any language. Age 9-11; age 11-14; age 14-16; and age 16-18.

Eligible Countries

Worldwide🌎

How to Apply

Entries from individuals aged 15 and under must be submitted by an adult (parent/guardian or teacher) who agrees to the competition rules. Submissions are made online via a digital entry form and file upload. For artwork, high-quality photographs or scans are required. For songs and speeches, recordings (video or audio) along with written lyrics/text are necessary. Poems must have a title and be no longer than one A4 page in size 12 font. Songs must not exceed four minutes.