Search and online advertising giant Google is calling for South African school children to create and submit their own Google Doodles – the header images the company displays on its search engine landing page to commemorate special events – by 22 October. The winning Doodler will win a R100 000 technology grant for their school along with other prizes.
The theme for submissions is “South Africa of My Dreams” and while there’s no limit to the number of entries each school or classroom may submit, only one entry per learner will be considered. Google says submissions that contain copyrighted images or logos will be automatically disqualified. Entries must be submitted on the official entry form and signed by a parent or guardian.
According to Google, the competition was inspired by the fact that this year South Africa celebrates 20 years of freedom. “At Google, we believe the most ambitious ideas and untethered creativity of young people can help make the world a better place. Doodle 4 Google is meant to inspire students to think and dream big. We’d love to see Doodles inspired by the youth’s hopes and dreams for their country.”
Winners will be announced on 29 November, after the official judging and public voting procedures have concluded. Entries are grouped according to one of four age categories, with judges selecting five entries from each category. The public will then be asked to vote for the best entry in each age group and a final winner will be picked from the four.
The final winner’s entry will be named the “Competition Winner of Doodle 4 Google South Africa” and will be featured on the South African Google homepage on 2 December 2014, once the Doodle team has animated it.
Each of the four age group category winners will each receive an Android Tablet along with a Google goodie bag, a framed copy of their Doodle and a t-shirt featuring their image. In addition, the overall winner will be awarded a R100 000 technology grant for their school.
The guest judges panel consists of nine South African movers and shakers from the worlds of business, entertainment, entrepreneurship, art and sport. The panel includes author John van der Ruit, entertainer DJ Fresh, rugby player Pat Lambie and singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka, among others.
Google’s entire Doodle collection – which started in 1998 – can be viewed here, and a brief history of Google’s customised headers can be found here.
