Using art to promote peace

Helderkruin — Laerskool Helderkruin learners have once again performed exceptionally well at this year’s Peace Poster contest.

The contest, run by various Lions clubs, gives primary school learners between the ages of 11 and 13 an opportunity to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity.

According to Wilro Lions media liaison Sandy van Heerden, as a club, they received a total of 68 posters from different schools like Laerskool Helderkruin, Laerskool Roodekraans, Florida Primary, Roodepoort Primary, and TLC Private Remedial School.

This year’s theme was Peace Without Limits, and Sandy says they had a lot of inclusivity this year.

“The learners are always wowing us with their broad understanding of peace. Such initiatives encourage learners to think outside the box and think about world peace, inclusivity, diversity, and kindness. The artist was very impressed with the posters. The learners all showcased great artistry with details and composition,” she says.

Three exceptional learners, Carla Steenkamp, Jenique Engelbrecht and Annette Higgs, took the top three spots, impressing judges with their imaginative creations.

However, Annette’s outstanding poster surpassed all expectations, not only claiming the top spot in the district and province but also triumphing across Southern Africa, including Namibia and Eswatini. This remarkable achievement has propelled Annette’s poster onto the international stage, where it will compete against the best from around the world.

“The peace protest competition requires a lot of time and attention to detail for the learners,” says former arts teacher and now Afrikaans teacher, Amanda Botes.

“We have been entering this competition for about 15 years now, and my role is to assist and guide the learners with their posters. Especially when they have to incorporate the element of world peace.

“This is an integral part of the school because it encourages creativity and arts and culture,” she says.