The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 2, led by Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee, successfully concluded the preliminary round of the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition in Tanzania. More than 500 students from 11 schools across the Iringa and Arusha regions participated, sharing powerful artistic interpretations of peace.
Held under the theme “What Can We Do to Achieve Peace?”, the competition encouraged young participants to explore the concept of peace through creative expression. Artwork submissions reflected themes such as a world without war, cultural respect, and environmental protection.
Participating schools in Iringa included St. Dominic Savio Primary School, Richer International School, and Garilenya Girls’ Secondary School. In Arusha, students from Angelique Primary School, Globally Primary School, and Hayatu Primary School contributed a wide range of colorful, inspiring entries.
The International Loving-Peace Art Competition is an annual global initiative by IWPG, aimed at nurturing a culture of peace through art and education. It seeks to inspire children and youth around the world to envision a peaceful future and actively contribute to its realization.
This year’s Tanzanian preliminary round was not only a platform for artistic expression but also an opportunity for peace education and community engagement. Local teachers and academic figures joined the event, reinforcing its educational value.
Assistant Professor Mkanibwa Magoti Ngoboka of Ruaha Catholic University noted,
“The peace seen through the pure eyes of children was more sincere and moving than that of adults. It reminded us that education and art are key to achieving peace.”
Regina Frederick, an elementary school teacher and Chair of the Peace Committee, added,
“The very process of drawing peace-themed artworks is an excellent form of education. I hope opportunities like this continue, so the peace children imagine can be lived out.”
An awards ceremony is scheduled for June 16 during the Africa Children’s Day Celebration, where selected works will be recognized and displayed. These pieces will be exhibited with support from Tanzanian government agencies and used in future educational and promotional campaigns to amplify the message of peace.
IWPG, a globally recognized women’s NGO with special consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), continues to lead peace efforts in 122 countries. With 115 branches and over 800 partner organizations worldwide, IWPG is committed to building sustainable global peace through education, cultural initiatives, and advocacy for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).
