Any artist will tell you that what they paint is not so much what they see with their eyes, but what they see with their hearts. This is especially true of children.
For 31 years, Lions Clubs International has offered children across the globe the opportunity to create their visions of peace from their own hearts by sponsoring the Peace Poster Contest. Local Lions clubs sponsor the contest in their neighborhood schools and youth groups.
“Kindness Matters” was the theme of this year’s competition, and 13-year-old Yi-Chih Lin from Taiwan was chosen from more than 600,000 contestants and 60 countries as the grand prize winner. The New Taipei City Yung Ho Lions Club in China Taiwan sponsored him for the contest.
A portrait of help and of hope
Titled “Gathering Love and Kindness from Everyone Helps Those in Need Out of Suffering,” Lin’s stunning artwork depicts a pair of hands tenderly cupping a heart of gold, as rice and grain slip through the fingers down to the hungry masses below. Their arms reach up in desperation toward the hands of hope that will ease their suffering. Painted in a dazzling array of colors, the international symbol of peace—a majestic dove—perches atop the painting, wings outstretched to embrace a needy and hurting world.
“I began learning how to paint in second grade,” Lin said. “I enjoy painting things that are difficult and challenging—it gives me such a sense of accomplishment when I finish a painting. I’m really glad that my teacher, Miss Yang, told me about the contest when I started art class. I can’t believe I won. I’m so excited! Thank you, Lions Clubs International, for giving me this wonderful opportunity to paint and win this award. I hope everyone has a deeper understanding of peace and kindness when they see my painting. I know I do.”
Inspiring children to imagine a world of kindness
Designed for kids ages 11 to 13, the Peace Poster Contest offers children the chance to showcase their talent on an international stage and compete for great prizes. The grand prize winner receives US$5,000 and a trip for him or her and two family members to a special awards ceremony. Twenty-three merit winners receive a certificate of congratulations and US$500 in cash. All of the winning entries are recognized in LION Magazine, on our website and at the annual international convention, which will be held in Milan this July.
“The kindness we are referring to in this year’s contest theme is not just to the people in our own country, but to people around the world,” said Johnny Wong, president of the New Taipei City Yung Ho Lions Club. “Our primary goal with this event is to promote world peace by communicating with many teachers and students.”
New Taipei Municipal Fuhe Junior High School recently held a celebration to recognize Lin for winning the contest. “Our school has been involved in the Peace Poster Contest for more than 20 years,” said the school’s principal Hsiao-Jung Fan. “We want every child to develop his or her artistic talent and integrate it into their lives. The theme of kindness is perfect, as we would like our children to grow up with the expectation of love and of hope. Our relationship with our Lions club is a close one. They are a very important organization that has long been concerned about education and the growth and development of our children.”
Lion Jia-Chun Yang from the Cixiang Lions Club in District 300-B2 attended the school celebration to support the young winner. He believes that the contest creates an awareness of their Lions club with students and with the public at large. “It helps our club get more visibility and gives us the opportunity to serve even more people,” he said. “We want to help children understand that there are many wars and poor places in the world, and that people there need our help. The expression of art in this poster contest touches people’s hearts.”
Lions clubs pave the way to world peace
There are so many great reasons for Lions clubs to sponsor the Peace Poster Contest. It boosts kids’ self-esteem, and lets them know that their ideas matter. It also offers clubs the opportunity to promote peace while increasing their visibility in their communities. And most importantly, it gives children—and adults—hope for the future.
In a world filled with conflict and uncertainty, the need for kindness, peace and love has become even greater. And who better to illustrate this than a child? We hope these youthful visions of kindness and peace will help the whole world learn to see with their hearts, too.
Find out how your Lions club can sponsor the Peace Poster Contest and help promote a more peaceful world.
Madeleine Miller, ABC is the senior strategic communications specialist for Lions Clubs International.
