Art Contest Award Ceremony

Written by: WFWP Cambodia

On November 28, 2022, Women’s Federation for World Peace Cambodia (WFWP Cambodia) held an award ceremony at Kou Loab Primary School and Anh Chanh Primary School that joined Color My Heart with Peace (CMHWP), which is a children’s art contest.

This time, five children from Cambodia were selected as award winners: two for a Merit Award and three for an Achievement Award. Even if no one is selected or is awarded a prize internationally, WFWP Cambodia usually selects some children nationally and awards them. This year, they were awarded art sets as the prize for Merit Award winners, and a certificate for other winners. They prepared some more gifts to recognize all the children who made efforts for this program. 

In Cambodia, especially in remote areas, art skills tend to be less in demand and less valued. Under such circumstances, WFWP Cambodia gained the cooperation from two schools. Therefore, they wanted to find a way to return some sort of results to the participating children and teachers. By evaluating and appreciating children’s art abilities and efforts broadly, WFWP Cambodia believes that they or even their parents and teachers can come to recognize the value of artistic expressions. 

Many children enthusiastically participated in the program in June. Many of them firmed up their ideas and made some drawings before the program day. Their ideas were simple, but their sincere attitudes showed through. WFWP Cambodia was also able to tell from how they used the colors that they enjoyed drawing. 

Certainly, this was not only an opportunity for children to cultivate their artistic senses. It was an opportunity to re-think what peace and happiness are and to look outside of their nation. WFWP Cambodia visited Kou Loab Primary School and Anh Chanh Primary School, and at both schools they asked children what they think peace is and how they should behave to make the society peaceful. Even though for some children it was difficult to explain their ideas well, it became a wonderful opportunity for them to think about peace.