ARTWORKS by Lanao del Norte students Ash-Hayanie Gumacap and Sohaimen Birol have been named as two of the winners in the international Children’s Design Competition for 2017, organized by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
The winning designs, depicting a vision of a world that saves food for the future generation, were two of 20 finalists selected from a short list of 120 drawings by school children in 22 different countries.
On Aug. 23, Ash-Hayanie, 9, and Sohaimen, 13, were presented with their prizes — $150 each, and S$200 for each of their schools, Banisilon Central Elementary School and Poona Piagapo Central School to purchase stationery and art materials.
All the students competing in the event are attending schools that participate in WFP’s worldwide school meals projects, which are designed to both fortify the health of school children as well as keep them in the classroom even during difficult times. Students receive meals or snacks in school, and/or take-home rations.
Around the world, WFP provides food to more than 16 million children in school meals programmes in 60 countries. Education plays a significant role in breaking the cycle of hunger, and WFP strives to reach the poorest and most vulnerable children.
“The illustrations made by the school children help us see the hopes, visions, and potentials they have, reminding us the importance of investing in their future,” said Mats Persson, WFP country director ad interim for the Philippines.
“The Department of Education, Division of Lanao del Norte is very thankful to WFP for continuously helping the department eradicate “hunger” among our children and instilling into their minds that good nutrition would lead to a brighter future,” said Emmalinda Duhaylungsod, schools division superintendent. “This opportunity allowed us to showcase the winners’ talents and skills and their achievement surely put Lanao del Norte in the limelight not just here in the Philippines but also to the whole world.”
The theme of this year’s competition, which involved both a drawing and an accompanying explanatory text, was “Zero Hunger: The future begins with food.”
Five drawings from the Philippines were originally submitted to the competition judges at WFP headquarters in Rome, Italy. Of the 20 winners, three artworks came from the Philippines.
“All of us at WFP congratulate the young artists for creating such unique and inspiring works. They made us all proud,” said Persson.
The designs from the competition will be displayed in WFP headquarters and will also be incorporated into wall calendars and greeting cards for global distribution to raise awareness of the World Food Programme’s work. (wfp)
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