A new book has been launched by Concern Worldwide, titled ‘Dear President Obama…’ The book is a compilation of the best entries into the organisation’s 2009 Cecil Woodham Smith Creative Writing competition, which was run in conjunction with Hot Press magazine, and which saw hundreds of entries from children and adults in a host of countries including Ireland, Niger, Liberia, India, USA, UK and Japan.

School and college students alike were asked to write to President Obama on his inauguration on one of three topics that greatly affect life in the developing world: Child Labour, Climate Change or World Hunger.

The book was launched in the American Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. The evening was hosted by Newstalk’s Karen Coleman and the first copy of the book was presented to Ambassador Daniel M. Rooney by Concern CEO Tom Arnold. A copy of the book will also be forwarded to President Obama by Ambassador Rooney.

Michael Doorly, Head of Active Citizenship in Concern commented that the “sheer volume of high calibre entries received from all over the world are a testament to the innovative and creative minds that are concerned with major global issues.”

Niall Stokes, editor of Hot Press, who presented their scrolls to the winners, commented: "It really is a wonderful thing for everyone whose work was chosen to have a book to have and to hold and to keep, that contains the words of wisdom they contributed. But it is even better to know that they will be read by President Barack Obama, who has shown his willingness to engage with people, and with ideas. That is a great honour indeed and should act as an inspiration for everyone involved to continue to write to express themselves and to argue for change. I am really pleased that Hot Press was involved in such a great adventure."

The book is published by The Liffey Press and is available for €15.00 on Amazon or on www.concern.net .

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