”Not Just a Game: Manchester Kids Say Peace Needs Teamwork Too the Peace Art Competition turns Manchester Museum into a canvas for hope and harmony.”
Windhoek, June 3 — On 28 May 2025 the 7th International Loving Peace Art Competition, hosted by the South Africa branch of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), was successfully held at Sherwood Community Hall in Manenberg. The event gathered enthusiastic participation from children and youth representing 11 local schools, who expressed their visions of peace through powerful and heartfelt artwork.
Under the theme “Peace, Let’s Be Friends! What can we do to achieve peace?”, participants explored the concept of peace through their own unique perspectives. Their works featured scenes of empathy, cultural harmony, and a world without conflict—each painting capturing the sincere hopes of a younger generation dreaming of a better future.
The event began at 10:00 a.m. with an opening prayer and dua, followed by a welcome address by IWPG and local representative Patsy Daniels, a peace message from a guest speaker, a cultural performance, and the art competition itself. The program concluded with adjudication, lunch, and an award ceremony recognizing the most outstanding pieces.
Judging was conducted by artists Gardie Judge, Preyser-Grantham, and Raeff John from the Butterfly Art Foundation, who praised the creativity and sincerity expressed in the students’ works. Select winning pieces may also be featured in upcoming international exhibitions hosted by IWPG.
The event was made possible through the generous support of local organizations. The Butterfly Art Foundation sponsored all necessary art materials and paper, while the Ward Councillor, Food for Life and Mustadafin Foundation provided nourishing meals for all participants and attendees. The Manenberg Drivers Club also volunteered transport services, to transport the students to and from their schools to the competition venue, free of charge. The venue was graciously provided free of charge, reflecting the strong spirit of community collaboration.
“This competition was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the true value of peace through the eyes of children,” said an IWPG representative. “We hope this event has planted seeds of peace within the community of Manenberg.”
The competition concluded on a high note, with warm support from parents, teachers, local leaders, and community members who joined in to witness and celebrate the voices of peace expressed through art.
IWPG is an international women’s NGO registered in UN ECOSOC and UN DGC. It has 115 branches in 122 countries, and 808 partner organizations in 68 countries. Under the vision “achieving sustainable world peace,” IWPG is actively working to build peace networks, spread peace culture, conduct women’s peace education, and support the legislation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).
