Picture perfect young artists sketch out vision for equality

The competition, which invited children and young people from educational settings and youth centres to submit artwork inspired by the theme of ‘what does equality mean to you?’, attracted 42 entries from across Northern Ireland.

Winners were selected across three categories, primary, post-primary and special, by a panel of judges.

The winning entries are:

• Primary Category: Oisin (10), Kaison (8), and Finn (8) from Little Oaks EOTAS, Coshquin Road, Derry
• Post-Primary Category: Abigail (13) from Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Gilnahirk Road, Belfast
• Special Category: Scarlett (19) from Tor Bank School, Dunlady Road, Dundonald

The winning artwork will be featured in the EA's forthcoming Equality Action Plan, giving the young artists a lasting platform to share their vision of a fair and equal society.

All participants will receive a personalised certificate signed by EA’s Chief Executive, Richard Pengelly, in recognition of their contribution.

Representatives from the EA visited each of the winning schools and centres this week to present the prizes and celebrate the achievement with the young artists and their peers.

 While visiting Little Oaks Learning Centre, Education Minister Paul Givan had the opportunity to present their winner with their certificate, marking the occasion alongside staff, pupils and EA representatives.

Aileen Donnelly, Chair of the Judging Panel, and Acting Director for Organisational Development, Culture and Learning, said:

"The competition reflects the EA's ongoing commitment to embedding equality at the heart of its work and ensuring that young people have a meaningful opportunity to contribute to that vision. 

“The quality and creativity of the entries we received was truly outstanding and it was a privilege to see how young people across Northern Ireland are thinking about equality in such thoughtful and imaginative ways. 

“Each piece of artwork told its own unique story, and we are incredibly proud that these winning creations will now form a lasting part of our Equality Action Plan. 

“I want to congratulate all of our winners and thank every young person who took part, your voices and your art matter.”