A message about water and sanitation 

Safe drinking water: 3rd Place Winner Grade 6

Colours swirled around the radiant smiles of children and proud parents as they gazed at walls of the tea plantation factory. They had never before held paintings or drawings, especially those displaying messages about how to keep homes, the environment and drinking water safe and clean.

The Bogawanthalawa Tea Plantation is located in the mountainous, lush interior region of Sri Lanka, where tea plants and bushes line green hills.

In the area Plan is working with the local community to provide safe drinking water, promote clean and hygienic practices and the respect and care for the environment.

The idea that art could be used to convey these messages came from community members at one of their meetings with children and parents when discussing how to raise awareness on health education, sanitation and best practices. Children were very excited about having the opportunity to draw and paint, especially since most don't normally have access to art materials.

First Place Winner Grade 7

On the first day, with the guidance of an art instructor and five teachers, hundreds of children from grades 1 to 12 learned how to express themselves with drawings and paintings. The following day they enthusiastically transformed their ideas into colourful images and messages. Parents, children, Plan staff and the whole village gathered to around the decorated messages and drawings.

Prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners voted by the public.