|
In July, International Women`s Peace Group (IWPG) once again united with women worldwide to bloom the flowers of peace. IWPG first organized the preliminary rounds of the "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" in 117 cities across 61 countries, planting the seeds of peace in the hearts of children. Women leaders promoted the "Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War" (DPCW) and advocated for its legislation, while also actively conducting Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE). Furthermore, IWPG continued activities such as the Women Leader`s Peace Forum, International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting, and signing ceremonies for agreements aimed at realizing peace initiatives. IWPG`s efforts towards peace notably reached Ethiopia. IWPG`s Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee, engaged in discussions about peace with committee member of National dialog of Ethiopia. These strides towards peace were also highlighted in Ethiopia`s media.
|
|
|
|
“We Love Peace”… Child Dreams Demonstrated through Drawings
– The Preliminary Rounds of the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition Take Place
|
|
|
|
IWPG holds the International Loving-Peace Art Competition every year with different themes each year to sow the seed of hope for world peace and to draw a realistic world of peace in children and youth, the heroes of the future. The competition first began in 2018 and marks its fifth anniversary this year. Each year, the preliminary rounds are hosted in different countries from May to August. The final evaluation and the award ceremony take place from September to November in South Korea.
The theme for this year is “A World of Peace Learned from Nature”. The preliminary rounds took with a total of 10,025 children and youth in attendance.
|
|
|
|
Tanzania Dar es Salaam Branch
|
|
|
|
IWPG Dar es Salaam Branch in Tanzania hosted the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round award ceremony. The ceremony took place at Dabe Building with more than 40 children, youth, and parents attendings, as well as many organizations and media outlets, including Fatma Kikkides (Deputy Director, JMAT), Raham Kiriwe (Director, UDSM) , ITV, STAR TV, TVE, BISO NA BISO TV, ALK KHERI TV.
The International Loving-Peace Art Competition was held for the second time this year at the Dar es Salaam Branch in Tanzania. Branch Manager Pendo Addie Mwasakyeni of IWPG Dar es Salaam shared, “I hope to invite the Minister of Education and Minister of Culture next year. We will promote more so that children and students can participate in larger venues.”
Marion Charles (Marian Girls’ High School), who won an award, said, “I’m so glad to be able to participate in a peace-themed art competition and win an award. I hope to place first in the finals as well.” A parent also said, “It warms my heart to see the children happy. I thank IWPG for hosting this event. IWPG must exist forever for peace in the world.”
In the Elementary School Division, Joshua Zacharia Elisha (Misingi Sombetini Primary Schoo, Aursha) placed 1st, Aneth Jemini Mushi (Doris Primary School, Dar Es Salaam) placed 2nd, and Mariamu Said Selemani (Msingi Sombetini Primary School Arusha) came in 3rd. In the Middle School Division, Mika Deus Kapalangao (Miwibila Secondary School, Iringa) placed 1st, Hilga Edson Chaula (Mtwibila Secondary School, Iringa) placed 2nd, and Christian Chaula (Mtwibila Secondary School, Iringa) placed 3rd. In the High School Division, Marion Charles (Marian Girls’ High School, Dar Es Salaam) won 1st place.
|
|
|
|
Iringa Branch in Tanzania hosted the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round award ceremony on the 20th. Children, youth, and parents attended the ceremony that took place at Mtwivila Secondary School.
Iringa Branch Manager Mkaniba Ngoboka stated, “It is an honor to give children and students in the Iringa region the opportunity to participate in the International Loving-Peace Art Competition where they can think of peace and nature. I hope there will be more opportunities to spread the culture of peace through various events.”
The student who won 1st place commented, “I am grateful that I won the international competition hosted by IWPG. I will continue to participate in the competition.”
|
|
|
|
On the 8th, Uganda Branch held the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round at Mbazzi Riverside High School and Cruciform Life International Ministries. There were 30 high school students present, and the preliminary round ceremony also took place.
|
|
|
|
On the 3rd, the Kenya Branch held the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round at Rona School of Excellent and Orengo Primary School in the Bondo area. A heated peace art competition was held with more than 30 Kenyan students present.
|
|
|
|
IWPG Global Region 7 hosted the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition with Cote d’Ivoire, a partner country, from the 11th to the 13th. This event was co-hosted with IWPG, and APROFEM, Program for the protection of vulnerable children and adolescents Department under the Ministry of Women, Family And Children.
Seven organizations from five regions, including Agboville, Grand Bassam, Dabou, Abidjan, and Marandallah, attended and more than 100 students participated. Students who attended took a commemorative photo while holding the Cote d`Ivoire flag.
The President of APROFEM, Ms. Traore, shared, “the International Loving-Peace Art Competition is a meaningful competition that teaches children and youth the value and importance of peace.”
|
|
|
|
On the 22nd, the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition was successfully completed in Sao Tome and Principe, a partner country of Global Region 3. The children showed off their creative drawing skills using their diverse imaginations. This was the first year Sao Tome and Principe participated in the competition, and they vowed to continue to cooperate in the work of peace and participate in the art competition.
|
|
|
|
Berlin Branch held the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round evaluation on July 18 at the East Side Gallery.
Kani Alavi, who is also the gallerist, signed an MOA with the Berlin Branch in April. Since then, he has been promoting IWPG at the forefront by actively participating in events hosted by the Berlin Branch. Kani Alavi commented, “Children are full of imagination, so I am inspired when I see their drawings.”
|
|
|
|
Colombia, a partner country of Global Region 2, and Brisas del Norte co-hosted the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round at Guajira Riohacha. The award ceremony took place on the 18th at Guajira Riohacha. There were 160 attendees including children, youth, and parents. The competition was judged by Milagros Arauju, Kelly Elena, Barros, and Yackeline Villalobos of the North Brisas Foundation Headquarters. In line with the theme of “A World of Peace Learned from Nature”, the evaluation was very strict, based on the harmony and artistry of colors, creativity, and originality.
The winners for the Elementary School Division are Darieimy Garcia (U.E. Las Delicia, 9 years old) in 1st place, Carol Michel (U.E. Sierra Nevada, 12 years old) in 2nd place, and Dallana Granados (Colegia La Urbana, 14 years old) in 3rd place.
The winners for the Middle School Division are Amauri Baldeblanquez (U. E. Sierra Nevada, 15 years old) in 1st place, Dayanis Granados(Colegio Nuevo Horizonte, 15 years old) in 2nd place, and Ana Sofia Gutierrez(Colegio Maria Doralisa, 15 years old) in 3rd place.
|
|
|
|
The 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round award ceremony took place on the 10th in Palestine, a partner country of Global Region 2. It was co-hosted by Women of the Sun Organization and the Vision Association for Culture and Art and sponsored by Israel-Palestine for Peace Organization. The ceremony was held at the office of Women of the Sun, with 30 people including children and adults.
Director Reem Al Hajajreh of Women of the Sun explained, “The children have artistically expressed a peaceful world to realize the spirit of peace and foster a sense of community through this competition.” Lujain Brigheth, who placed 2nd in the High School Division, shared, “I am honored and grateful to be able to participate and win an award in a peace-themed art competition.” For the Elementary School Division, Sara Makhtoub won 1st, Zina Saleh 2nd, and Nouran Othman 3rd. In the Middle School Division, Mouhamad Yousef placed 1st, Tala Izhaq 2nd, and Issa Abo Sada 3rd. In the High School Division, Hussam Salah won 1st, Lujain Brigheth 2nd, and Tala Sarhan 3rd.
|
|
|
|
On the 20th, Georges Daoud (The General Director of Elementary Education, Ministry of Education and Higher Education [MEHE]) and Sawa Association for Development co-hosted the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round award ceremony, which took place in Lebanon, a partner country with Global Region 2. This competition took place at the elementary education office of the Ministry of Education. Imad Al-Ashkar (Director General, MEHE) and General Director of Elementary Education, Georges Daoud, opened the event to public and private schools, resulting in 800 participants from 40 schools.
Nawal Mdallaly (Founder, Sawa Association for Development) expressed her gratitude and said, “I am grateful to the Ministry of Education and the General Director of Elementary Education for allowing participation from public and private schools. I also thank IWPG for their efforts to establish the principles of peace in all the countries. I hope the winners receive good results in the finals.” General Director George Daoud also expressed, “I sincerely congratulate the winners and appreciate the efforts of IWPG and Sawa Association for Development for bringing the concept of peace to the schools in Lebanon.”
Jana Rabih Makieh (American Universal School) placed 1st, Abd Al Wareth Ali Rifa (Karkaf School) 2nd, and Hiba Nazih Rifai (Rafic Hariri School) 3rd for the Elementary School Division. In the Middle School Division, Rahaf Oday Daher (Antonine Sisters School) placed 1st, Nour Hisham Al Ayoubi (Deddeh Intermediate School) was 2nd, and Abd Al Rahman Khaled Mikati (Rafic Hariri School) won 3rd.
For the High School Division, Jawaher Abdalllah Al Ghoul (Riad Solh Secondary School) placed 1st, Asile Al Ahmadieh (Amjad Secondary School) placed 2nd, and Leen Nasib Chams (Riad Solh Secondary School) placed 3rd. The award ceremony was reported on National News Agency, Al-Hiwar News, and February Newspaper.
|
|
|
|
The Palestinian Women’s Humanitarian Organization co-hosted the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition preliminary round in Lebanon. There were 130 students who attended from Al Yarmouk School, Al Bireh School, Jaloud School, Quods School, Haifa School, Al Jalile School, Al Jaleel School and the Palestinian Women`s Humanitarian Organization (PWHO). After the competition and the judging process, the award ceremony took place.
Sara Barakji (Project Manager, Palestinian Women’s Humanitarian Organization) shared, “This competition was very important because it gave all the students an opportunity to express peace. It gave hope to the children who were anxious after the earthquakes in Lebanon over the past few months.”
The students received awards this day were Maram Abo Swaid (Al Jalile School, High, Special), Joury Muhammad Hariri (Al Yarmouk School, Elementary, 1st), Rayan Coptan (Al Yarmouk School, Elementary, 2nd), Mariam Ahmad Latof (PWHO, Elementary, 3rd), Rasha Nader Jardo (Al Yarmouk School, Elementary, 3rd), Maria Al Saleh (Al Jaloud School, Middle, 1st), Rouaa Ghanayma (Haifa School, Middle, 2nd), Mariam Murad (Haifa School, Middle, 2nd), Najlaa Ahmad Al Sahli (Haifa School, Middle, 3rd), Maria Amjad Badawi (PWHO, High, 1st), Bissan Al Mousa (Al Jaleel School, High, 2nd), and Wafaa Al Fout (Al Jaleel School, High, 3rd).
|
|
|
|
IWPG Nepal Branch held the preliminary round for the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition on the 7th with 100 students. This competition took place at Asphodel Public School, which represents Nepal’s old traditions. IWPG was introduced to the people during the opening of the preliminary round. The participants drew with earnest hopes of a world without war and only peace. Principal Birendra Prakash Shrestha of Asphodel Public School commented, “It is amazing that the students drew creative drawings while thinking about peace and nature. I hope events like this continue so that peace does not leave the students’ hearts. I would like to express my gratitude to IWPG for planning and hosting a great event.”
Vice Principal Biva kalika Malla Shrestha also shared, “I was moved to see the students draw with excitement and joy. I hope we don’t end with just one event but continue to have more like this.”
|
|
|
|
Global Region 3 held the preliminary round of the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition on the 20th at Green Hill, Apolo International School and 6 cities of Lyceum International School (Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Gampaha, Wattala, Panadur) in Sri Lanka.
School Coordinator Janitha Dissanayake emphasized, “I am glad to have this special opportunity to participate in planting peace in children around the world. We can greet a brighter future by spreading a culture of peace to the minds of children.”
She added, “If we sow the seed of peace today, we can make a more harmonious world tomorrow. Let us plant the seed of understanding, love and unity through art and creation. I would like to thank IWPG once again for inviting us in the journey of achieving their commitment to making a better world.”
|
|
|
|
On the 13th, Global Region 3 hosted the preliminary round for the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition at Afghanistan International School located in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Principal Breshna Yarmand shared, “The students learned how a peaceful society affects their lives. When there’s peace, children can achieve many things. We submitted beautiful art works that express the imagination of the children who drew about peace.”
|
|
|
|
