THE judges were highly impressed by the creativity and quality of the paintings submitted by learners for the Peace Poster competition organised by the Kingsburgh Lions Club.

Also read: Peace posters wow Lions and judges

The first-round winning poster was announced during an event held at the House of Nations Church in Athlone Park on October 16. The competition showcased the artistic talents of young participants, who expressed themes of peace through their work. The event highlighted the importance of youth engagement in promoting positive messages through art.

The Peace Poster competition, started by Lions Club International, encourages school-going children to express their visions of global peace through art. This year’s theme was ‘Peace Without Limits’.

Moira Rigby, president of Kingsburgh Lions Club, said 65 entries were received from Warner Beach Preparatory School, Athlone Park Primary School, Kuswag Laer Skool, Amanzimtoti Primary School, Doonheights Primary School and The Bridge School.

“Of those, 23 posters qualified for entry to the first level of judging. They were from Athlone Park Primary School, Warner Beach Preparatory School, Amanzimtoti Primary School and The Bridge School,” said Rigby.

Members of the Upper South Coast Art Association did the judging.

“The art was of a high standard and the judges had a hard time deciding on winners,” she said.

The poster painted by Jeaquidia Salvador of Amanzimtoti Primary School was chosen as the winner. Jeaquidia said her poster was inspired by a longing for peace in Palestine and in Ukraine where there are wars. She and her school received R800 each.

The second-prize winner was Néri du Plessis from Athlone Park Primary School. She and her school received R600 each. The poster by Athlone Park Primary School’s Sunali Pillay won the highly commended prize, winning her R400 as well as another R400 for her school.

Jeaquidia’s poster moves on to be judged at the district level, and if she wins, she moves through to the next stages of judging until she makes it nationally.

The national winning poster will then compete internationally with Peace Posters from other countries.

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