HA NOI (VNS)— A writing contest that aimed to find potential writers and develop a reading culture among young Vietnamese ended yesterday in Ha Noi. The theme of the contest was memories of school and childhood.

The contest, Summer Diary 2011-12, was held by Phuong Dong Communication and Culture Joint Stock Co and Vinapo Online Services Co (Alezaa.com). It was inspired by a memoir of the same name by writer Di Li, whose real name is Nguyen Dieu Linh.

The contest's organisers received nearly 2,000 entries in one year. Most participants were young people, but some older entrants also qualified for the final round.

"Today, school-age youths face very complicated situations, including indifference to others, school violence and cheating on examinations. Such a writing contest helps guide students towards a richer spiritual life," said the chief jurywoman, writer Di Li.

Dang Huynh Mai Anh, a HCM City Foreign Trade University student, won the first prize. "From taking part in the contest, I learned that the best thing about being a writer is sharing how you feel with everyone," she said.-VNS