The Miles Morland Foundation (MMF) Scholarship is a prestigious literary award aimed at supporting African writers. Established by the Miles Morland Foundation, this scholarship has become a significant milestone for aspiring writers from the African continent, providing them with the financial means and time to work on their writing projects. The scholarship is awarded annually and has helped many writers gain the freedom to create and contribute to African literature.
Overview of the Scholarship
The Miles Morland Foundation Scholarship offers writers financial assistance to cover their living costs, allowing them to focus entirely on their writing. The scholarship is specifically designed for writers of fiction and nonfiction, with the aim of fostering the development of African literature and promoting new and original voices from the continent.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MMF Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be Born in Africa: The scholarship is open to writers who were born in Africa or whose parents were born in Africa.
- Writing Sample: Applicants must submit a sample of their writing, which can be a published or unpublished work. The sample should be between 2,000 and 5,000 words.
- Project Proposal: Writers must provide a description of the project they intend to work on during the scholarship period. This includes an outline of the work and a timeline for completion.
- Evidence of Need: While the scholarship is merit-based, applicants must also demonstrate their need for financial assistance to dedicate time to their writing.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the MMF Scholarship receive:
- Monthly Stipend: Scholars are given a monthly stipend of £18,000 (around $24,000) paid over 12 months. This financial support is intended to cover living expenses, allowing the writer to focus exclusively on their project.
- Mentorship: Scholars may have the opportunity to receive guidance and mentorship from established writers and literary professionals.
- Networking Opportunities: Being a part of the MMF community provides writers with valuable connections within the literary world, opening doors for further opportunities and collaborations.
Selection Process
The selection process is competitive and involves several steps:
- Submission Review: The submitted writing samples and project proposals are reviewed by a panel of judges consisting of experienced writers, publishers, and literary professionals.
- Shortlisting: A shortlist of candidates is drawn up based on the quality of their submissions and the feasibility of their projects.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews to discuss their projects in more detail.
- Final Selection: The final selection is made based on the interviews and the overall assessment of the candidates’ potential to contribute significantly to African literature.
Impact of the Scholarship
The MMF Scholarship has had a profound impact on African literature. It has enabled numerous writers to complete significant literary works that may have otherwise remained unfinished due to financial constraints. Some notable effects of the scholarship include:
- Publication Success: Many scholarship recipients have gone on to publish their works, gaining critical acclaim and contributing to the global recognition of African literature.
- Literary Diversity: The scholarship has supported a diverse range of voices, bringing stories from different African cultures and perspectives to the forefront.
- Career Advancement: The scholarship has provided a career boost for many writers, leading to further opportunities such as book deals, literary awards, and speaking engagements.
Notable Recipients
Over the years, several notable African writers have benefited from the MMF Scholarship. These writers have made significant contributions to literature, including:
NoViolet Bulawayo: The Zimbabwean author known for her debut novel “We Need New Names,” which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Petina Gappah: A Zimbabwean writer and lawyer, her works include “An Elegy for Easterly” and “The Book of Memory.”
Chigozie Obioma: The Nigerian author of “The Fishermen” and “An Orchestra of Minorities,” both critically acclaimed novels.
Conclusion
The Miles Morland Foundation Scholarship for African Writers is a vital initiative that has made a significant impact on the landscape of African literature. By providing financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for writers to focus on their craft, the scholarship has nurtured and amplified diverse African voices on the global stage. It continues to inspire and empower the next generation of African writers, ensuring that the rich tapestry of African storytelling thrives and evolves.
