Writer Yusuf Baaluj, member of the Qatari Forum of Authors, came second at the Qanbar Child Literature Award in Iraq, organized by Al Mohsen Centre for Child Culture.
The contest had more than 500 works competing in its three branches, which included poetry, story and comics. Baaluj was awarded a silver shield in the story category. Works of the award are expected to be printed within a project to encourage reading among children.
The young writer expressed his happiness with the award especially that it comes from Iraq, where it is difficult for its writers to compete and also because this award comes from an entity for which he feels great gratitude and it is appreciated by Iraqis.
It should be mentioned that the organizing committee of this contest was preparing for a big party, but due to the current circumstances it was postponed to a later time.
This is Baalog’s ninth award, as he has won many prizes, including first place for 5 times. Two of his works have been shortlisted in two competitions. His first prize was in 2012 at the “Sharjah for Arab Creativity” competition, then in 2013 at the “Khayyam Club Award”. In 2014, he won the “President of the Republic” and “Arts and Culture” awards. In 2015, he won at the “International Festival of Literature and Youth Writers” and “The Return – Palestine”. In 2018, he returned to win the “Arab Authority for Theatre” award for children’s scripts, and then in 2019, he was nominated at the same award, but on the list of the best 20 work for adults. His last achievement was the “Qanbar Child Literature Award”.