Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter
Of
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. presents…
(Wah-nah-moo-gee-moo)
THEME:
“Exploring Our Global Community”
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The theme and rationale comes from our International Grand Basileus, Bonita Herring. The
theme is “Exploring Our Global Community.” Rationale: Our youth are excited about exploring
other places and collecting information on how we are alike and how we different. The theme
allows topics on geography, human rights, and technology. It also incorporates the original goal
of this project, which is to increase students’ knowledge of the historical and contemporary
development of Africa.
Mission Statement
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within the
community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the
hallmark of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses
concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
Project Mwanamugimu
Mwanamugimu (Wah-nah-moo-gee-moo), in cooperation with Africare, Incorporated began as a
pilot project in the Northeast Region in 1990-91. In September of 1992, it began operation as a
National Project and implementation expanded to the other four regions of the Sorority. The Eta
Sigma Chapter of the Southeast Region commemorated the project unveiling by commissioning
artist Paul Barden to create an original African painting. The project title, Mwanamugimu, is a
proverb from the Republic of Uganda that means “from small acorns come mighty oaks.”
What Is The Mwanamugimu Project?
The Mwanamugimu Project is an essay contest. Its goal is to provide an opportunity for students
to increase their knowledge of the historical and contemporary development of Africa. Its
objectives are to provide the target population with opportunities that:
(1) allow structured ways to learn about Africa
(2) heighten awareness of African cultural heritage
(3) improve writing and research skills
Target Population
Internationally: Third grade through twelfth grade students
Mwanamugimu Essay Contest Committee:
scholarship@sigmagammarhodallas.com
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MWANAMUGIMU RESEARCH
TOPICS
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
Biography of a Famous African
As an African American Student,
What Could You Gain by Visiting
Africa?
In What Ways Does Our American
Culture Relate to That of the
African Culture?
Africa in 3-D: Discuss the
Diversities, Demographics, and
Discoveries
Map of Africa-Choose a Country-in
Africa: Your research should
include tell about topography,
imports, exports, language, rituals,
customs, people, main cities,
industries, climate, main problems,
etc. (Include a picture of the map in
your essay)
How Are the Major Rivers in Africa
Vital to Its Economy?
Why Is It Important to Protect the
Survival of Certain Animals in
Africa?
Discuss the Major Rivers in Africa
Compare and Contrast a Civil
Rights Activist from Africa with
One from the United States
Review a Map of Africa - Compare
and Contrast Two Countries
(Include images of the two
countries)
Give a Biographical Synopsis of a
Female President in Africa
What Countries and Tribes did the
first slaves come from in Africa?
If you could visit an African
Country, what country would be
your choice? Describe how you
would tour the country based on the
country’s tourism.
Choose two countries in Africa –
compare and contrast the
technological advancement
between the two; please note one
of these countries must be SubSaharan.
Essays will be judged on the following:
CONTENT/ IDEAS
ORGANIZATION
VOCABULARY/ WORD CHOICE
VOICE
SENTENCE FLUENCY
CONVENTIONS
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ESSAY CONTEST CALENDAR
2013-2014
*Bold dates and descriptions below provide details for Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter Contest
November 1, 2013
International Contest Begins
December – February
January 18
February 1
February 15
March 1
Participating students research, collect data, & write
essays
Writing Workshop
Writing Workshop
Writing Workshop
Final Writing Workshop
March
March 8
March 22
Local contests end & local award programs held
Final Essays Due
Awards Program (Time & Location TBD)
March – May
First Place winning essays to Regional
Chairpersons & judging for Regional Essay
Contests
Submit winning essay to Regional Chair
March 29
June 1, 2014
Regional Essay Contest Chairpersons’ reports
sent to International Project Chairperson
July
Report & announcement of national contest
winners
Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc will sponsor this contest on
the Elementary through High School level. Chapter winners advance to regional level
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competition. This year, regional winners advance to national level competition. One winner in
each category is declared at National Conference and recognized at the Awards Banquet. The
winner in each category and each entry will be recognized in the form of a certificate of
recognition or participation and monetary award.
Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter will support this project at the local level by:
Conducting local essay contests for students in schools, churches or with civic groups;
Sponsoring seminars, library trips, and possibly museum trips to enrich participants’
learning experiences about Africa;
Establishing partnerships with local schools for more effective implementation of the
essay contest;
Conducting information workshops about the essay contest for parents.
Mwanamugimu CASH Prize Awards for winning essays:
Top scoring essay 9-12 grades = $125
Top scoring essay 6-8 grades =$75
Top scoring essay 3-5 grades =$50
EVALUATION
Alpha Omicron Sigma chapters essay committee will conduct pre and post writing assessments,
maintain a pre and post contest inventory of research skills, and analyze participants’ surveys.
Sample Title Page
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TITLE OF ESSAY
Participant’s Name
Address
Grade
School
City, State, Zip
School
Principal’s Name
Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter
Dallas, Texas
Denita Branch, Chair
Southwestern Region
ESSAY CONTEST PARTICIPANTS GUIDELINES
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The following rules apply for middle and high school grades:
1. The student should attend at least 4 out of the 5 workshops.
2. The student must meet all deadlines for essay submissions.
3. The essay must be researched and written by the student submitting the essay.
4. The essay’s body should be 5 to 7 pages in length, typed with double line spacing.
5. The cover page should include (see sample title page):
 Title of the essay
 Student’s name and home address
 Name of student’s school and location
 Name of school principal
 Student’s grade
 Name of sponsoring chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
 Name of sponsoring chapter’s essay contest chairperson
 Region where chapter is located
6. The essay must have a bibliography to include at least five references (Please do not
use Wikipedia)
7. References should be placed as end notes (not at bottom of page)
HINTS FOR STUDENT RESEARCHERS
 Number all pages
 Submit dark copies of essay so that it can be copied for review by essay contest judges
 Check to see that all necessary information is on title page.
 Check references carefully (end notes and bibliography)
 Do not repeat information in order to reach the required number of pages for your essay
contest category
 Secure pages in a report folder for submission to your essay coordinator
 Submit an electronic copy to your essay coordinator
 Contact your essay coordinator when you have questions or need assistance
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