The WeLoveU children around the world participate in the Kids Chosun Ilbo Global Art Competition 2021

Draw a Picture: Draw a Dream
A six-year-old child from Seongnam, Korea, participates in the art competition.

The daily Kids Chosun Ilbo held the Kids Chosun Ilbo Global Art Competition 2021 to encourage children to have a dream and hope. This year, it was the second competition and children submitted their art works on the competition website from October 7 to November 22. Agreeing with the purpose of the event, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the “WeLoveU”) sponsored the event and encouraged the members to participate in the Competition.

More than 5,000 works by children between the ages of 5 and 13 were submitted during the Competition. From the WeLoveU member families, 387 children in eight countries, including the U.S., India, Mexico, and Cameroon, participated and showed off their talents on a white paper. Many drawings were about the world of beautiful stars under the titles such as “Space,” “Our Planet,” “Star Land,” and “Heavenly Garden.” There were also many works on the the environment titled “The Earth Is Polluted,” “Let’s Protect the Environment,” “The Earth Is Sick,” etc.

Draw a Picture: Draw a Dream
“Save the Earth” by a 10-year-old child from India
Draw a Picture: Draw a Dream
“Angel on the Clouds” by a 10-year-old child from Mexico

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents were spending more time with their childlren at home. This Competition provided a good opportunity to those parent and children to spend a meaningful time together. The parents of Aaron Cordova (age 8, from Peru) said, “I had a good time with my child through this Art Competition, developing creativity and imagination even in a pandemic situation.” The parents of Aaliyah Tirki (age 9, from India) also expressed their gratitude, saying, “My daughter was very pleased to be able to participate in the online international art competition at home.”

Many parents said it was good to be able to look into their children’s thoughts and communicate through their pictures. The mother of Jeshua Godinez (age 7, from the U.S.) said, “Thanks to the art competition, I was able to understand how my son look at the world and what kind of world he dreams of.” The father of Hyeon Eun-chae (age 11, from Korea) said, “My daughter drew of her dream, so we were able to talk about her future a lot.”

Draw a Picture: Draw a Dream
“The Deep Sea” by a 10-year-old child from Peru

The children shared their positive feedback: “I felt good because Mom and Dad cheered me up,” “I was so happy and fun to draw,” “I usually watch my cell phone at home, but this time I spent time thinking about the paint colors.”

Draw a Picture: Draw a Dream
The WeLoveU children’s paintings submitted at the daily Kids Chosun Ilbo Global Art Competition
Draw a Picture: Draw a Dream
The WeLoveU children’s paintings submitted at the daily Kids Chosun Ilbo Global Art Competition

The winners were announced on the website of the Art Competition and on the pages of the daily Kids Chosun Ilbo on December 1 simultaneously. Among the WeLoveU children, two were honored with silver awards, two with special awards, 10 with bronze awards, 73 with encouragement awards, and 15 with participation awards. The judges commented, “The drawings with imagination stood out. It was remarkable to see the imagination and wisdom expressed by each child’s personality and with their small hands.” Especially, one of the judges said, “Because there was no help from adults, children’s originality and freedom were highlighted.”

According to experts in early childhood education, art activities have a positive effect on children’s growth. In the process of expressing their thoughts while drawing, creativity and develop; and emotions can be captured in pictures, which is good for their emotional development. It also helps them develop upright character. This event was meaningful because it showed the positive effect of art activities which the experts mention. The WeLoveU has been devoted to children’ well-bding through diverse aspects such as educational support, and has actively sponsored the Art Competition from the first Competition. Last year, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah personally presented special awards.

Draw a Picture: Draw a Dream
“My Dear Mom and Dad” by a 7-year-old child from Mexico

Supporting children to foster their dreams is like watering sprouts and supplying them with nutrients. Just as young shoots that have been well cared stretch their stems to bloom and bear fruit, when children grow up with care and support, they will become the protagonists of the future with good character and love for humanity.