Recently Bangkok Patana students participated in the UNHCR Art Charity Youth Competition, a group that supports refugees with aid and resources to help refugees achieve a better future. The competition encouraged Primary and Secondary students to create works of art with the stimulus of ‘Hope Beyond Today’. We had many inspiring pieces across the school that uniquely portrayed hope, unity and perseverance.

Some honorable mentions are Quinn in Year 2 who drew a picture of a refugee girl and her hopes and dreams for a family, house and safety and Alice in Year 4 whose painting showed the sun and waterfall signifying hope and new beginnings and how everyday can be better.

In Primary, we had three finalists that made it tough for our judges. In third, we have a gorgeous piece by Mia which portrays an elephant representing students in Patana who are lucky to go to school and live in a safe place alongside a very small ant who stands strong and brave. She looks up at the elephant without fear representing resilience. Amazing piece Mia!

In second place, we have a stunning piece by Vara in Year 3 whose piece depicts the sun and a community. Her piece is a reminder that we become light for one another and that hope reminds us that no one stands alone. Fantastic work Vara!

Finally in first place, in Primary we have an incredible piece by Rin in Year 3. Rin’s piece was inspired from Japan. In Japan, cherry blossoms mean a “new start” and after a cold winter, they always bloom and bring us spring. Rin drew this as a reminder for people who feel sad that even if today is hard, a warm spring will come tomorrow. Congratulations Rin!

And in Secondary out of all the pieces won stood out to our panel the most, our Secondary winner is Abigail from Year 8! Her artwork reflects the theme extremely well and represents the loss refugees experience during displacement. Extraordinary job Abigail!

All pieces will be displayed at an art showcase with select pieces up for auction. Big thank you to all participants and our amazing judge panel.

Winners of this year’s Primary competition, themed “Hope Beyond Today”:

 🥇 1st Place – Rin 3M
 Cherry blossoms symbolising a new beginning and hope for brighter days ahead.

 🥈 2nd Place – Vara 3L (Year 3)
 A sun and community showing that we can be light for one another.

 🥉 3rd Place – Mia 5F
 An elephant and ant representing courage and resilience.

 All winners will receive their awards from our school patron, Mrs Ariane Rodel-Stuetzel. More details will follow. We would love to exhibit all the entries and details of the exhibition will be released very soon.