The “Denmark in Your Eyes” painting contest has captured the attention and participation of hundreds of Vietnamese students, including many in Hanoi. 

The launch of the "Denmark in Your Eyes" painting contest held at Nguyen Sieu School in Hanoi on September 25. Photos: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

The launch of the Denmark in Your Eyes 2024 painting contest at Nguyen Sieu School in Hanoi made an amazing spectacle when students put their green ideas on paintings. 

Doan Thu Ha from 4a3 class at Nguyen Sieu School at the launch of the painting contest.

“Today I’m so excited to participate in the painting contest as I want to convey my ideas of environmental protection which I have been taught at my school. You see, I bring here drawing brushes and colors and the ones of my favorite are blue and green,” Doan Thu Ha from 4a3 class at Nguyen Sieu School told The Hanoi Times.   

Do Ha Mi, a student in 7cy1 class, at Nguyen Sieu School with her painting.

Do Ha Mi, a student in 7cy1 class, at Nguyen Sieu School, could not hide her excitement when showing her drawing which features marine biodiversity. “I decided to draw a painting of the sea as I prefer the sea and marine creatures to those onshore. Before the painting contest, my teachers told me about the painting contest and its meaning. For that reason, I got drawing ideas and the blue always brings me a pleasant feeling,” Mi shared with The Hanoi Times.  

This year's contest, themed "Green Initiatives," aims to inspire school children to deepen their understanding of environmental and climate challenges while sharing their ideas, thoughts, and visions on how to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.

Contestants are encouraged to unleash their creativity and express their green solutions on topics such as biodiversity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, reducing CO2 emissions, sustainable habits, and zero-plastic practices. The contest is part of the 53rd-anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark. 

Nicolai Prytz, Ambassador of Denmark in Vietnam, speaks at the launch of the painting contest.

At the event, Nicolai Prytz, Ambassador of Denmark in Vietnam said he was honored to attend the launch of the Denmark in Your Eyes painting contest. “I believe that this is an engaging platform for Vietnamese students to voice and share their thoughts, concerns, hopes, and ideas on how to nurture and protect our planet. I cannot wait to see their bold, creative, and inspirational ideas on how we can make our planet a green and liveable home for all.”

The competition is open to all Vietnamese students from both primary and secondary schools, with a submission deadline of December 20, 2024. Winners will be announced and honored at an award ceremony in Hanoi at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

The jury will include renowned artists from Kim Dong Publishing House, editors from Thieu Nien Tien Phong and Nhi Dong newspapers, and representatives from the Vietnam-Denmark Friendship Association (VIDAFA) and the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam.

The "Denmark in Your Eyes 2024" painting contest, held nationwide and annually, is co-organized by VIDAFA and the Danish Embassy, with support from Kim Dong Publishing House, Thieu Nien Tien Phong and Nhi Dong newspapers, and the Ministry of Education and Training. JYSK, an international home furnishing retailer, is the main sponsor, while LEGO Vietnam provides valued support for the contest. 

Models conveying environmental protection made by teachers and students at Nguyen Sieu School.

In response to the painting contest, Nguyen Sieu School has produced different paintings and models that use recycled materials and convey messages of environmental protection to inspire students to protect the planet and their living environment. Mai Ha Anh, a teacher of arts at Nguyen Sieu School told The Hanoi Times that through the models, the teachers like him want to educate their students’ sense of responsibility in protecting the environment while nurturing their love for nature. 

Blue ocean model made from foam by teachers and students at Nguyen Sieu School.

“Denmark in Your Eyes” 2024 Painting Contest – Green Initiatives

The first Denmark in Your Eyes contest, co-organized by VIDAFA and the Embassy of Denmark, was launched in 2016 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark. Since then, the contest has been held annually, each year with a new theme, but always maintaining a strong emphasis on the environment and sustainability.

Participants are required to submit their artwork on A3-sized paper. Any medium can be used, including pastels, oil pastels, pens, pencils, charcoal, acrylics, watercolor, oils, or mixed media.

Entries should be submitted to: The Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam, 7th floor, BIDV Tower, 194 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Each submission must include the title of the artwork, the student’s name, age, school, class, email, two phone numbers (one from the student’s family and one from the school), and a full mailing address.

Prizes include 01 grand prize, 02 first prizes, 03 second prizes, and 06 third prizes. The grand prize winner will receive a tablet and a set of LEGO toys. The first, second, and third prize winners will be awarded LEGO sets. Additionally, there will be 50 individual encouragement prizes and 2 group awards from the organizers.

For further information about the Danish-Vietnamese relationship and the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam please visit www.vietnam.um.dk and https://www.facebook.com/dkvietnam. Detailed rules for the competition are here.

The model made from things in nature pictures marine biodiversity.