In November, Plan Canada, MTV Canada and Mobile Jam Fest launched the Because I Am/Know a Girl photo and essay contest. While Plan’s Because I am a Girl campaign is raising awareness of the challenges girls face around the globe, this contest provided a platform from which girls in Canada could speak out on issues affecting their lives.

It was a great competition, with Jessica Vergis-Mayo coming out the winner of a Nikon Coolpix camera and $500 to use toward a social program of her choice for her photo and essay entry.

We asked young people aged 10 to 24 to visit planyouth.org and submit a photo or essay that completes the phrase “Because I am/know a girl…” Jessica used the image of a mirror to represent how differently boys and girls view themselves, and each other.

Jessica has decided to divide her winnings between two organizations, with half going to help her sister’s class build a school in Africa and the other half going toward anaphylaxis research, which has affected her family.

If you are or know someone between the ages of 10 and 24, you could be the winner of our next contest! Use a photo and a short essay to describe how you would change the world, if there were no limits to what you could do. The winner will receive $500 toward the social initiative of his or her choice. Contest closes June 19, 2009.