Last year, we heard your powerful voices on poverty in the Caribbean. This year, on International Poverty Day, we’re giving those voices a new stage. The World Bank invites young storytellers across the Caribbean to take part in our Video Essay Competition 2025.

The theme is Health Poverty in the Caribbean - a challenge that touches every community, from access to basic care to the impact of climate change on health systems. We want to see how you frame the issue, tell the stories behind the statistics, and share bold ideas for change. 

The Task

Through your lens, tell the story of health poverty in your country or the Caribbean - and the possibilities for change. 

What We’re Looking For:

Your video essay can take many forms - analytical, creative, or personal - but above all, it should spark dialogue and inspire action. You may combine storytelling, interviews, graphics, short skits, or your own narration.  

Some guiding angles you might explore:

  • How does health poverty affect jobs, families, or futures where you live?
  • What does health poverty mean in your community?
  • What are the everyday realities behind the statistics?
  • How do factors like climate change, inequality, or access to care make the problem worse? 
  • What solutions, big or small, could make a difference?

Format & Submission Guidelines

  • Length: 2–4 minutes (maximum 5 minutes). 

  • Format: MP4 or MOV, landscape or portrait accepted.

  • Language: English (subtitles encouraged if other languages or dialects are used). 

  • Eligibility: Open to Caribbean residents aged 18-29 years 

  • Submission: Upload your video to YouTube/Vimeo/Google Drive and share the link with your entry form.

  • Deadline: December 20, 2025 

  • Originality: Your video must be produced by you. If you use external content, the original source should be credited explicitly.  

Entries will be judged on:

  • Clarity of message – Is the story or argument easy to follow and well-structured? 

  • Delivery – Is the speaker engaging, confident, and clear in their communication?

  • Creativity – Does the video bring a fresh, original, or powerful perspective? 

  • Impact – Does it raise awareness, inspire reflection, or offer ideas for change?

     

Note: We will not be judging the production quality of your video. Don’t worry about what you shoot on, and don’t spend time on heavy editing, the focus is on your ideas, voice, and perspective.  

 

AI Usage: Scripts or content generated by AI will not be accepted and will result in disqualification. You may use basic tools like spell check or auto-captions, but the substance of the video must be entirely your own.

  • 1st Prize: Virtual Internship (up to 4 weeks) with a World Bank team in the Caribbean; video featured on World Bank platforms, and a Certificate of Recognition.

  • 2nd Prize: Mentorship Package — two one-on-one sessions with a World Bank specialist (e.g., in health, environment, communications etc.) to discuss your career path, skills, and opportunities

  • 3rd Prize: One-time Mentorship Session with a World Bank professional to provide career guidance and feedback on your video essay

  • All Finalists: Recognition on World Bank Caribbean social media channels and a digital Certificate of Participation. 

 

When putting your submission together, you may find the following data sources helpful in strengthening your entry.

 

RESOURCES

 

 

 

 

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