(KPL) The three amateur writers Ms Phaiboun Thanabuasy, Mr Anorath Phimvohan and Mr Keobounthanh Keopakasith have been announced as the winners of the Sinxay Award 2015.

Ms Phaiboun is the author of a novel named “All people can’t be borne in a rich family,” which tells the story of a five-year old girl who was born in a poor family and has a father who suffers from a mental illness.  The story tells of the sacrifices she makes to take care of her family, helping her mother to earn money.  She eventually graduates from university and goes on to earn a Master’s degree overseas and becomes a success.

Ms Phaiboun said that she sent two articles this year as well as the novel. 

“The motivation to write the novel came from my real life experience.  I see children growing up in poor families and suffering from disadvantages in education.  My story is about how people can triumph over poverty if they are truly dedicated, while acknowledging the difficulties they face and accepting that we can’t choose the family we are born to.  We can, however, choose who we want to be,” said Ms Phaiboun.

“This is the first time I have submitted my writings and I never dreamed that I would be a winner.  I am so happy to have won the Sinxay Award 2015!”

“The First Hell,” written by Mr Anorath, is a reflection about the dark side of humanity.  It tells the story of a teenager who is taken in by technology and the desire for wealth and popularity.  His misguided desires eventually lead him to join a gang and get involved in drug trafficking, eventually ending up in jail.

The winner of the poetry category was Mr Keobounthanh with his poem, “What do I get after visiting grandmother?”

The presentation ceremony for the awardees was held on March 25 in Vientiane Capital with Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Buangeun Xaphouvong presenting the awards.

There were 254 submissions for this year’s contest including 87 short stories, 158 poems and nine novels, according to Mr Buangeun.

The purpose of the contest is to encourage young people to show their ability to write and to express their creativity through words, because when we put things in writing, we learn more about how we think, according to Mr Buangeun.

KPL