Burt Award for African Literature

"The Burt Award is long awaited. It came at the time when most English novel writers have despaired and have stopped writing because our books don’t sell. Now that we have an impetus to write, we will write. Thank you very much CBP, CODE, Mr Bill Burt and the government of Canada." - Dr Martha Mvungi, Tanzanian author.

The Burt Award for African Literature is one of our newest programs. It is designed with, and generously funded by, long-time CODE supporter Bill Burt.

Last September Mr. Burt went on CODE’s Seeing is Believing Tour to Ethiopia. He was struck by the lack of reading materials and wanted to help provide more books for young people – books that both contributed to one's pride in place and nation and at the same time, fostered a love of reading. We have been working with Mr.Burt and our overseas partners to develop an award that would do just that.

The Burt Award for African Literature recognizes excellence in young adult fiction from Africa and addresses an ongoing absence of relevant, quality books for young people while simultaneously promoting a love of reading at a critical stage of learning.

The award, which consists of three cash prizes worth $21,000 as well as a publishing contract for winning submissions, builds on Canada’s commitment to development efforts that emphasize both local ownership and quality education.

In the award’s inaugural year the competition will be open only to Tanzanian writers, and will be co-managed by CODE and our UNESCO award-winning partner, the Children’s Book Project.

Learn more about the award through FAQ's, submission criteria, or press kits.