- IWPG Holds Peace Art Contest for Marginalized Children in Egypt
- Inclusive Peace Program Combines Environmental Education and Art
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 2 (Director Seo Yeon Lee), held the Egypt preliminary round of the 8th International Loving-Peace Art Competition in Alexandria and Cairo on June 6, 11, and 15. The event was designed as an inclusive peace education program that brought together refugee children and children with hearing impairments through art.
The program was organized by the Women of Peace Initiative in collaboration with local organizations, including the Arab Association for the Deaf, Beit El Agamy Refugee Initiative, and the Ahlam Stable Antar Foundation.
In Alexandria, refugee and migrant-background children from Yemen, Sudan, and Syria participated in the competition, expressing the values of peace, hope, and friendship through their artwork. Children from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered in one place, communicating and connecting with one another through creative expression.
In Cairo, children with hearing impairments illustrated their thoughts on peace and coexistence and were given the opportunity to explain the meaning behind their artwork using sign language.
At the Ahlam Stable Antar Foundation, participants engaged in a variety of experiential activities under the theme “My Peace Story.” In addition to drawing, children took part in carpet weaving, leather crafting, candle making, recycling projects, computer education, and cooking classes.
After completing their artwork, the children shared their drawings with one another, made new friends, and gained a deeper understanding of different cultures. The program also included a plant-growing activity, allowing participants to learn firsthand about environmental stewardship and sustainability while reflecting on the meaning of a peaceful community where people and nature coexist in harmony.
The program attracted attention for creating an inclusive environment where all children could participate regardless of disability, nationality, or language differences by integrating art, sign language, and environmental education.
IWPG Global Region 2 plans to further strengthen cooperation with local organizations in Egypt and continue promoting peace education and cultural programs for children and youth.
