Distinguished Members of Parliament,
Distinguished Mayor of Larnaca,
Distinguished Representative of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth,
Distinguished President of the Larnaca District Office of the PDOED,
Honorable Mr. President and members of the Pancyprian Confederation of Primary Education Parents' Associations,
Honorable Mr. President and members of the Larnaca Federation of Primary School Parents' Associations,
Honorable Mr. President and members of the Larnaca Federation of Secondary and Technical Education Parents' Associations,
Honorable Mr. Chairman and Honorable Mrs. Officer of the Larnaca Cultural Creation Foundation,
Honorable Mr. former President of the Federation of Larnaca Primary School Parents' Associations and former members of the secretariat of the Federation,
Honorable ladies judges of the Federation's painting competition,
Dear members of the Secretariat of the Federation of Larnaca Primary School Parents' Associations,
Dear Madam Officer of the Pierides Museum,
Dear and dear teachers,
Dear parents and my dear children,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Through the eyes of children the world is different: wondrous and beautiful, as it should be, full of surprises and endless possibilities. Even the most mundane things seem unfamiliar, arousing curiosity and stirring up intense emotions that, for us older people, have been obscured by the dust of everyday life. Through the clear childlike gaze we can experience miracles and especially the miracle of love.
It is therefore with great enthusiasm that I accepted the invitation to inaugurate the painting exhibition "Through the eyes of children", where we will admire the works of young artists who stood out in the painting competition for children of primary schools in the city and district of Larnaca, organized for six consecutive years by the Larnaca Federation of Primary School Parents' Associations.
I would like to warmly congratulate the Federation for the organization, as well as all those who worked for the realization of this exhibition, the teachers, parents and especially the students who participated, dedicating time and effort for the creation of their works, gaining valuable experience along the way, but also offering their peers and peers, since the proceeds from the exhibition will be spent for the children's camps of the Larnaca Federation.
I would also like to address special thanks to the Pierides Museum, which hosts the exhibition here, in this historic cultural space, where it preserves part of our cultural heritage and at the same time embraces the future of our country, highlighting works of contemporary Cypriot children's art.
The painting competition of the Larnaca Federation of Primary School Parents' Associations has become an institution that activates and engages students to develop their creativity and showcase their artistic talent, always with the valuable guidance of their teachers.
In addition, apart from their artistic skills, children also cultivate social skills: they are sensitized and trained as future active citizens through the research of age-appropriate topics that promote love for the place, nature and people.
Art contributes to the healthy and multifaceted development of children.
Art contributes to the healthy and multifaceted development of children. It is a means of expression that allows children's free and unadulterated thinking to go beyond defined contexts. Boundaries are removed and children engage in a game of experimentation, through which they get to know themselves while developing empathy. At the same time, the exhibition of children's art reinforces the young creators' belief in their strengths and their uniqueness. The skills that our children acquire from their artistic education are invaluable and they can use them in all areas of their lives to fully integrate into society, contributing to the best of their abilities.
Children know art instinctively. Pablo Picasso said: "Every child is an artist. The question is how to remain an artist while growing up." That is why we too must encourage the younger generation to love art and reap what it has to offer: emotion, comfort, aesthetic pleasure, appreciation of cultural heritage, a deeper understanding of history and of human nature itself. For all these reasons, activities and events like today's are milestones in the development of children, precious memories that will accompany them throughout their lives.
Through their paintings, which exude innocence, vitality and authenticity, the children express their values and their own perspective on the world, but also how they perceive their place in it. We as viewers, with our souls open, let us let the works speak to us and tell us what we have forgotten or repressed, let us confront our childhood memories, let us listen to the messages they send us.
Let us pay attention to how our world is translated through the pure expression of children, sometimes troubled, sometimes beautiful, but always with an optimism and faith in the future that belongs to them. Their works, full of hope, are a reminder of our duty to build a better world for them, where they can live in peace and create.
Dear teachers and parents,
Today your children's beautiful drawings, which adorn the walls of the museum, fill you with moral satisfaction and emotion. Watching the creative process, you may have been pleasantly surprised by their progress and ability, you may even have become aware of aspects of their psyche that you have never before had the opportunity to observe. So I congratulate you for providing them with the opportunities and stimuli to develop their talent in the art of painting. Your children make us all proud.
Dear children,
I would like to congratulate you on your wonderful works of art, which you have created with enthusiasm and effort. With your colors and enthusiasm you have filled this space and our hearts with vitality. I wish you the love of art and the joy of creation to accompany you throughout your life. Progress, do not be afraid to dream, and above all, keep your childlike vision growing, in order to create a more beautiful, more promising future.
Once again I congratulate all the contributors to this wonderful exhibition. So let's enjoy it and let's explore the world through the eyes of children.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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