RIYADH, 17 September 2005 — Youngsters from 23 countries presented their own perspectives of peace in the “A World Without Weapons” drawing contest sponsored by the Ministry of Education.
More than 5,000 children took part in the competition, with prizes going to 36 of them in the contest’s three age divisions.
The winners and their chaperones will be flown into receive their gold, silver or bronze medals from Riyadh Governor Prince Salman at a special ceremony next Saturday at Riyadh’s King Abdul Aziz Historical Center. The winners in the contest of 5,127 entrants were selected by a panel of ministry-appointed artists.
Jehad S. Zenalabben, a Ministry of Education spokesman, told Arab News that this was the first time the ministry has undertaken such an international contest to spread the message of peace among children who will form the next generation.
“We got a good response from these countries for the contests, which was announced in April this year,” he said, noting the goal was not only to promote peace but also to fight violence in the world.
“People can live peacefully without destruction of men and materials in the absence of weapons,” he said.
The ministry has organized a comprehensive program for the prize-winning artists during their stay in the Kingdom.
Jehad said activities planned include a three-day workshop and field visits to places of cultural interests and dairy farms. “Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Humanity, has provided an ideal forum for the young ones to express their love and peace to the world,” he added.
The competition was held for children aged 6 to 18. The winners included four Saudi children. The highest number of entries — 3,080 — was received from Sri Lanka, and nine of them have won prizes, Jehad said.
