PEN International’s Tomorrow Club was established in 1917 to connect young writers with mentors and with other people in the literary community. The project gives a platform for personal and political stories across borders and seeks solidarity among young authors.
The Asia edition showed contributions from many young writers. Organisers said censorship in parts of Asia limits what people can say and read. The collection included personal accounts from a political prisoner, activists and uprooted people such as the Rohingya. It also told of young people who left Myanmar after the 2021 coup and later faced problems in neighbouring countries.
Difficult words
- establish — to start something that continues over timeestablished
- mentor — an experienced person who gives advicementors
- solidarity — support from a group for a person or idea
- censorship — control of what people can read or say
- activist — a person who works for political changeactivists
- coup — a sudden illegal change of government
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might young writers want mentors and support from others?
- How do you think censorship affects what people can read or say?
- How would you feel if you had to leave your country and face problems?
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