More than 300 children today [October 14] joined a painting contest themed “I love Hanoi – City for Peace” on the 69th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954).

The “I love Hanoi – City for Peace” painting contest held in Hanoi on Oct 14 attracts more than 300 local and foreign children. Photo: Hanoimoi

Held at Trinh Cong Son Walking Street in Tay Ho District, Hanoi, the candidates aged from 6 to 15 are Vietnamese and international ones of different nationalities such as India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, the Philippines, Turkey.  

The international children, who are from the embassies and international schools in Hanoi, were eager to participate in the event, which is aimed to promote Hanoi, a thousand-year-old city, and foster their love for the nation, peace, and the world as a whole. 

Tran Thi Phuong, Vice Head of the Hanoi Federation of Friendship Associations, and a contestant. Photo: Hanoimoi

It would help inspire children’s passion for painting and art creativity as “Peace is extremely sacred and brings joy to all of humanity,” Tran Thi Phuong, Vice Head of the Hanoi Federation of Friendship Associations, said at the contest.

“We, the citizens of Hanoi, will work together with friends from all over the world, beginning with the preschools, to maintain the honorable designation given by UNESCO as a ‘City for Peace’,” she emphasized.

At the contest, candidates are free to paint. They can draw about subjects that interest them, such as people and life, peace, love for their country or for Hanoi, beautiful nature, protecting the environment, and combating diseases, wars, and poverty.

Park Eun Seo from Horizon International Bilingual School, Hanoi at the contest. Photo: Thoidai

Park Eun Seo at Horizon International Bilingual School, who came to Vietnam from South Korea, said: “Hanoi, for me, is a vibrant and energetic city, but I also find that people there appreciate life, nature, other people, and peace. I can express my love for Hanoi and my appreciation for the friendly welcome and joyful smiles I always receive from the people of Hanoi through the contest.”  

Alexandra, a Russian mother, said that the contest is a wonderful idea helping her child show her love for the city where she lives.

She said she encouraged her kids to take part in the competition to help them adjust to living here. “My spouse and I enjoy exploring new places and getting to know locals from various cultures. Sofia, who was born in Vietnam, once resided abroad. However, we have chosen to bring our child back to Vietnam because we want to give her a secure environment to grow. We intend to remain here for a very long time.” 

Alexandra, her husband, and their kid, Sofia, with the painting won the third prize. Photo: Thoidai

Children had 90 minutes to complete the drawing test. On A3 paper, paintings are created using specific colors like watercolor, wax, gouache, oil paint, felt pen, and crayons.

Paintings are judged using the following criteria: appropriate subject, concise message, conveying the contest's meaning, aesthetically pleasing picture layout, stunning and impressive color scheme, and creativity.

Artist Nguyen Xuan Thuy, Chairman of the Hanoi Fine Arts Association and Head of the Jury praised the paintings’ high quality and creativity in assessing this year’s contest. It’s like taking a look at Hanoi – City for Peace through the eyes of children.

The jury selected 56 paintings to be awarded, including one first prize, five second prizes, 10 third prizes, 20 consolidation prizes, and 20 other prizes of different criteria.