The competition, in partnership with a group of UK-based international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – is now in its fifth year, building on the successes of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The NGOs are Marie Stopes International, AMREF, Bishop Simeon Trust, Care International, David Rattray Memorial Trust, Plan UK, Progressio, Save the Children and The Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture. The competition is sponsored by Barclays and GlaxoSmithKline. The challenge is to write a feature of 650 to 1,000 words by Thursday 3 May at 23.59pm on an aspect of global poverty that deserves greater media exposure. The 16 best writers (eight amateur, eight professional) will be selected from a longlist of around 40 entrants, all of whom will have their articles published online at guardian.co.uk/journalismcompetition