Anja Rožen, a 13-year-old girl from Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia, has a vision of what peace looks like. She brought that vision to life through her art, earning her the grand prize in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
My poster represents the earth and the fact that it brings us all together.
Anja was one of 600,000 participants worldwide in the annual Peace Poster Contest sponsored by local Lions clubs. This contest gives young people ages 11-13 an opportunity to share their vision of world peace through art.
“Peace is very important,” said Anja. “There is inner peace, which is finding happiness and contentment no matter how stressful your life is. Peace is also freedom from violence. When there is peace, nations and the whole planet can be stable and promote cultural growth. I don’t understand wars, how people can let them happen or what leads people that far.”
The winning poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “We Are All Connected.” The Slovenj Gradec Lions Club sponsored the local contest that gave Anja the opportunity to participate in this global event and share her vision with the world.
“My poster represents the earth and the fact that it brings us all together,” said Anja. “People are holding on to each other; if one person lets go, the rest of them will fall. We are all connected to the planet and one another.”
Anja was officially announced as the contest grand prize winner at Lions Day with the United Nations in New York City where attendees heard from her via video message. She later attended Lions Day with the United Nations in Vienna, where the theme of the event was, fittingly, “Peace and International Understanding.” As the grand prize winner, Anja received a US$5,000 cash prize and an award. She is sharing the celebration with 23 merit winners worldwide. All merit winners receive a US$500 cash prize for their winning artwork.
“The Lions International Peace Poster Contest allows the world to see peace through the eyes of young people—a valuable perspective today,” says Lions Clubs International President Douglas X. Alexander. “Lions stand for peace and understanding, and we unite through kindness to serve our communities and people in need. We are proud to support the creative process of children around the world and to encourage them always to see peace as a workable solution to the conflict.”
Visit the Lions Clubs International website to view Peace Posters and learn more about the contest.
Shauna Schuda is the senior media relations specialist for Lions Clubs International.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted communities around the world in different ways. To ensure we’re serving safely wherever we live, Lions should follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or local health authorities. Visit our Serving Safely page for resources that can help you safely serve your community.
