2007-2008 Poster Contest Winners

by Olivia Wallace
Poster Contest Coordinator

RESPECT International is pleased to announce the winners of the 2007-2008 Poster Contest. The theme of this year's contest was Let The Voice Of Youth And Children Be Heard.

Refugee Winner

• Babek Kazemi, Turkey (age 14)
• 
• When I drew this picture, I was thinking of the help we've gotten from people. This picture is created from my imagination. My family and I were living in a house with a backyard. One day, someone came over and helped us, brought us some household items and some clothing and we went into our backyard to look at these things. After experiences like that, I thought about doing this picture.

Non-refugee Winners

• 6-9 years old: Jamia Mei Tolentino, St. Stephen's High School, Philipines (age 9)
• 
• I am part of the youth of today. I want my voice to be heard so I can express how I feel. I need love, comfort and good surroundings. I hope the generation of today can have a place anywhere in the world.

• 10-11 years old: Stephanie Renberg, George C Marshall School, Turkey (age 10)
• 

• 12-13 years old: Parich Ruktapongpisal, KIS International School, Thailand (age 13)
• 
• This poster shows 3 disadvantaged children looking out towards the city which represents freedom and opportunity for their future. This picture represents the feelings and emotions of disadvantaged children. I am trying to capture the voice of under-privileged children asking for a better life.

• 14-18 years old: Cheung Man Kit, School of Creativity, China (age 16)
• 
• Children and teenagers in different countries, religions, social status are hoping to contribute to society equitably. Different people can be competitive with others in a fair way. The world is filled with respect, peace and love.

Refugee Honorable Mention

• Sonia Rajesh Bhayani, Jalaram Academy, Kenya (age 7)
• 
• The Red Cross aiding the refugees at the camps. The adults getting the food and the children and youths were ignored. Lots of children lost their homes and parents in ethnic clashes in our country.

Non-refugee Honorable Mention

• 6-9 years old: Wang Suet Ching, School of Creativity, China (age 6)
• 
• All the children in the world are hoping to 'Build a harmony world!' and 'Creating a brighter future!'

• 10-11 years old: Akhishek, George C Marshall School, Turkey (age 10)
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• 12-13 years old: Lau Cheuk Fung, Chong Hok Tong Education Centre, China (age 12)
• 
• In this picture, children and youth in different countries are speaking in different languages, but they can communicate with each other and share their happiness and wishes. They are friends forever.

• 14-18 years old: Ho Bo Yee, Bowie, School of Creativity, China (age 18)
• 
• In my picture, many teenagers in different countries are decorating a cake for RESPECT International. They are working together very happily and they hope their voices and wishes are spreading out to the world.

We had too few entries from refugees schools to be able to have multiple categories.

However, the judges for this year's contest were impressed by all of the more than 100 entries, making it very difficult to select the winners. We hope each student who entered the contest is proud of their excellent entries.

A big thank you to this year's judges: Shalla Alnwick, Shai Alnwick, and Shalene Wallace.