Africa-Press – Seychelles. Eleven (11) youngsters from Seychelles whose paintings won first, second and third prizes at the 6th International Youth Painting Exhibition organised by the City of Nanjing, China, have received their certificates.
The pupils from Children’s House, Montessori School, were the only ones who responded to the nationwide invitation from the City of Nanjing, through the City of Victoria, to illustrate a green future through their paintings.
Altogether they produced a total of forty paintings illustrating forest, oceans and reefs and their own super hero to ensure a green future for their planet.
Their works were among more than 80,000 paintings from 36 international friendship cities in 21 countries and Jiangsu Province.
They received their certificates in the presence of Mu Jianfeng, chargé d’affaires of the Chinese embassy in Seychelles; the acting Mayor of Victoria, Lydia Charlie; the secretary general of the Seychelles Institute of Culture, Heritage and the Arts, David Andre; the school’s head teacher, Lucy Barois and some parents.
The outstanding painting was by Allea Janmohammed, while Fidel Mothee, Shehara Adassuriya and Thracian Porice came in second.
Clea Pierre, Ethan Bastienne, Gael Renaud, Maya Nicette, Leon Adrienne, Nanami Burton and Neo Sinon secured third prize.
Ten certificates and prizes were awarded to the other participants of the school.
When addressing the guests, Mr Mu said the painting exhibition in the City of Nanjing was to bring the different cultures together through art.
“The initiative was to encourage the youths and bring change via a mutual body which is art, not just for us to thrive but the whole spectrum of society,” said Mr Mu.
He added the theme was fitting for Seychelles as it represents the island’s culture and heritage and the challenges posed on climate change.
“The green is very important for the society and the environment in regards to conservation and protection,” stated Mr Mu.
He added that preserving the planet and the ecosystem must be rooted in everybody’s hearts including that of their children.
He thanked and congratulated the acting Mayor of Victoria, Ms Charlie, for being engaged in the initiative and for being awarded by the international youth painting exhibition with the Excellence organiser award.
Ms Charlie said the Mayor’s office was very excited to receive entries from the Montessori School, and it was earlier his year that her office received wonderful news that the children had excelled in the competition.
“We were beyond overjoyed and pleasantly surprised as we were not expecting such results,” said Ms Charlie.
Ms Charlie congratulated the participants for their achievements. “Each year the Chinese government, through the embassy, offers a lot of scholarships to Seychelles especially in the arts domain. I do hope the children present here today, if they decide to pursue a career as an artist when they grow up, would benefit from the Chinese government’s support,” said the acting Mayor of Victoria.
Other than the pupils, the Office of the Mayor of Victoria won the Excellent Organiser Award.
The certificate was awarded jointly by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province, the Information Office of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Jiangsu Province, the Department of Education of Jiangsu Province and the General Radio and Television of Jiangsu Province.
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