The Dainamaina Award

An International Competition for Creators of Creative, Entertaining, and Storytelling Works for Children and Teenagers

Deadline: 20 December 2025
Results Announcement: 4 February 2026
(1+ months remaining)

About the Award

In a world challenged by war, crisis, and uncertainty, we believe in the healing power of imagination — and in the strength of children.

The Dainamaina Award invites storytellers, illustrators, game designers, and creative makers from around the world to offer new ways for children and teenagers to dream, play, and understand life.

What We’re Looking For

We seek works that bring hope, wonder, and emotional richness — especially in difficult times.
Works that are deeply engaging, storytelling-driven, and creative.

Show us how imagination can connect worlds, cultures, and generations, and help build a better future for all.

Who Can Apply

Creators from any background or level of experience are welcome to submit their original works designed for children and teenagers in the following fields:

Children’s stories (picture books, early readers, and young adult novels)

Interactive games and playful storytelling

Illustration and visual storytelling

Hybrid formats combining play, learning, and emotion

And more!

What You’ll Receive

The International Dainamaina Medal

Global recognition

Cash prizes

Professional mentorship and consultation

Opportunities for collaboration with global storytelling projects by iGh3 (Ai Ghesseh) and Dainamaina Publishing

Contest Disciplines

Children’s Storybook (non-illustrated)

Picture Book (illustrated)

Young Adult Novel

Audio Story, Podcast, or any Sound-Based Content for Children or Teenagers

Song or Lullaby for Children

Game or Entertainment Design (physical or digital)

Children’s or Teen Theatre and Performance

AI and Creative Technology for Children

Timeline

20 December 2025 – Submission Deadline
4 February 2026 – Shortlist Announcement

Eligibility and Rules

Works must be story-driven, entertaining, or adventure-based.

Themes, language, and formats must be appropriate and contemporary for children or teenagers.

Works must be original, with clear intellectual property ownership.

Reinterpretations or creative rewritings of classic stories (Iranian or international) are welcome, as long as they result in a bold, unique, and fresh work suitable for today’s young audiences.

About the Organizers

From Iran, with Imagination.

The Dainamaina Award is founded by Ai Ghesseh — one of Iran’s most creative storytelling platforms for children — in collaboration with Gando Publishing.
This cultural initiative connects the voices of today with the dreams of tomorrow.

Ai Ghesseh (Dainamaina) is an independent creative company dedicated to children’s storytelling and imagination.
Over the past seven years, it has written, illustrated, and produced more than 600 original audio stories for children, earning numerous awards and international recognitions.

It has been selected by JCI as one of the 30 most impactful social enterprises in the world, and recognized by the University of Tehran as a model for cultural and social investment in future generations.

Join the Dainamaina Award

Why is the world of adults filled with anger, war, and bombs?
Wouldn’t a world built from stories be more beautiful?

If we tell better stories — if we entertain and inspire children — won’t they grow up to build a kinder world?

The Dainamaina Award invites writers, designers, and creative thinkers from Iran and beyond to submit their works, get professional evaluation, and explore the opportunity to have their creations published and shared globally.