KATHMANDU, Feb 29: JICA Nepal Office, in collaboration with the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU) of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), hosted a painting contest among the 274 schools reconstructed by the Emergency School Reconstruction Project (ESRP) in Nov-Dec 2023. The contest aimed to engage school students in artistic expression under the theme "My New School: My Pride."
An official ceremony was held in Kathmandu to felicitate the winners from each category on Wednesday. Okubo Akimitsu, chief representative of JICA Nepal, Pramila Devi Shakya Bajracharya, secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and Ana Prasad Neupane, project director of CLPIU, presented gifts and certificates to the winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd positions).
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A total of 120 schools participated in the contest, with over 1000 school students actively involved in both basic and secondary level categories. The final artworks were evaluated by professional artists, the Project Director of CLPIU, and the Chief Representative of JICA Nepal.
During the two-day event, the winners also had the opportunity to visit Patan Secondary School, Patan Durbar Square, and Radio Nepal in Singha Durbar as part of their excursion in Kathmandu.
Speaking on behalf of JICA Nepal, the Chief Representative stated, "Through competitions like these, JICA Nepal aims to contribute to educational services and foster the talent and skills of students, not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities, which can play a significant role in shaping their careers."
One of the contest winners expressed, "Winning this contest has been a proud and joyous moment for me, my parents, and my school. I am grateful to the organizers for providing this opportunity to hone my skills and showcase my passion for art."
