Rotary Club of Stabroek & Nextech Inc. host 12th annual peace-themed art competition

The Rotary Club of Stabroek, in collaboration with Nextech Inc., successfully hosted its 12th Annual Peace Art Competition on Saturday, engaging young students in creative expression centered on the theme of peace and harmony.

The competition brought together fourteen talented students between the ages of 12 and 14 who attend St. Joseph High School, St. George’s School of Science, North Georgetown Secondary School , and Christ Church Secondary School, who were challenged to interpret the Peace Theme, “Peace is…” through visual art.

This annual initiative forms part of the Rotary Club of Stabroek’s ongoing commitment to youth development and peacebuilding, encouraging students to explore concepts of unity, tolerance, and understanding through creativity. The competition also reflects Rotary’s global emphasis on promoting peace as a key area of focus.

Rotary’s World Understanding Month is traditionally observed during the month of February, where Rotary’s 120th anniversary was celebrated on February 23, 1905, now designated World Understanding and Peace Day, commemorating the first Rotary meeting held in 1905.

Students demonstrated exceptional imagination and insight, producing artworks that captured themes of coexistence, cultural harmony, and hope for a peaceful future. Judges commended the participants for their originality, artistic skill, and thoughtful interpretations of peace from a youth perspective.

At the awards ceremony, prizes were presented to recognize the outstanding efforts of the young artists.

1st Place – Angel Skeete of St. Joseph High School received a cash voucher valued at $20,000.

2nd Place – Thalia Best of North Georgetown Secondary School received a cash voucher valued at $15,000.

3rd Place – Makayla Williams of North Georgetown Secondary School received a cash voucher valued at $10,000.

All participants also received gift vouchers to shop at Nextech and at Future Care Pharmacy.

Representatives of the Rotary Club of Stabroek expressed appreciation to Nextech Inc. for its continued partnership and support in empowering young people through education, innovation, and the arts.

The Club emphasized that nurturing creativity among youth strengthens confidence, encourages positive self-expression, and helps cultivate future leaders committed to fostering peaceful communities.

President of the Rotary Club of Stabroek, Dr. Karen Gordon Boyle , said that the Club remains committed to sustaining this annual competition as a platform for youth engagement, artistic growth, and the promotion of peace throughout Guyana. The club is part of the global network of Rotary International, a humanitarian service organization dedicated to community service, leadership, and peacebuilding initiatives that create lasting positive change.Nextech Inc.’s representative, Penny Francis, congratulated the participants on their unique and innovative interpretation of the theme.