The Magic Oxygen Literary Prize (MOLP as it’s more familiarly known) opened for the third time on the 1st September 2016. Previously attracting entries from over 20 countries, it offers a generous prize fund for each of its two categories, poems of up to 50 lines and short stories of up to 4,000 words. Winning and shortlisted entries are published in an anthology. It’s always exciting for a writer to see their work in print – but these are not the only lives that have been changed by this competition.

Since its inception, MOLP has planted a tree for EVERY entry received in the competition, creating the Word Forest which is now 11 times the size of Wembley Stadium.  This has been planted in Bore, Kenya, an area that had previously been massively deforested; the project has been led by international forestry expert Ru Hartwell. Not only does this benefit the planet in terms of long term CO2 capture but it helps the community of Bore, as the trees will also provide them with food, medicines, shelter and protection from the elements and reintroduce biodiversity. In time, it could generate an income for them too.

MOLP has also funded a second classroom at Kundeni Primary School in Bore, which was completed this year. Previously, the 300 students had only had one classroom and so many had had to study outside in the heat.

Magic Oxygen Publishing remain committed to supporting the Word Forest and the community of Bore. The literary prize AND the Word Forest continue to grow. Be a part of it – pick up your pen and start writing your entry now. You’ve got until midnight on the 31st December to get your story or poem in and become a part of something truly life changing.

For more details, please visit http://www.magicoxygen.co.uk/molp/