JEDDAH — The bond between parents and children is one of the strongest in nature. When parents spend time with their children, they are building the foundation of trust and affection that will last a lifetime.
Al Waha International School (Junior Section) provided mothers and their children with a unique opportunity to strengthen their bond of love and express it through the medium of art.
On February 19, the school's spacious ground – decorated by art teacher Aalima Ali and her assistant Marium – was all set to warmly welcome the participants of the annual art competition “Different Strokes – Mom and I.”
More than 110 pairs participated in the competition, which was divided into two categories — painting and craft. Three-dimensional works of art like collages, wall hanging and robot, among others were to be created in the craft category. Themes in the painting category were basket of vegetables, starry night with spray, rainy day, and garden scene among others.
This year, Pakistan International School Jeddah – English Section (PISJ-ES) also participated in the competition.
The atmosphere in the school brimmed with energy and enthusiasm, and each pair exuded confidence and looked forward to delivering nothing but the best. The participants were required to complete their artworks under specified guidelines with a stipulated time.
Zeenat, mother of Heba Mehak, who was all ready for the competition, said: “We have been working on our project for two weeks now. My daughter has learned and will help in putting together the collage we are making with ice cream sticks.”
“We work as team on our yearly project to celebrate art. We have provided the opportunity for mom and child to sit and work together for a common goal, said Ali.
She added: “The working together of Mum and Child shows beauty in co-ordination and togetherness. It has been eight years since the competition was first organized. Ferozan Warsi, director of junior section, guides and inspires us to do more and more whereas Regina Ashraf, supervisor of junior section, manages and give us the freedom to do things in better way.”
“It is a very good competition, and it is nice that mom and child can work together,” said Ghazal, mother of Saeed Abdullah.
Rayyan and his mother Sheema was elated to be part of the competition. “It is a great platform to be in school with our child. No matter where Rayan goes, or gets older, the memory of such event will last forever” Kwality ice-cream presented roses to all participating mothers, judges and guests as the competition kicked off with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an.
Artists Haneem Omar and Sara Le Meknes judged the painting and crafts category respectively. “The kids are adorable. It is an amazing and impressive idea where mother and child can paint together, said Haneem, adding, “Paintings were judged on the basis of relativity to the topic and creativity.”
Al Waha's second term mission is to instill empathy in children through skits and charity. An art gallery displayed students' artworks for sale, the proceeds of which would be given to a charity. “The concept of charity is introduced to tell children to give what they have and utilize it in the right way,” said Warsi.
Sana said: “Children are excited that their art work goes to charity and they will be able to help somebody.”
Humaira Naseem, the academic director of Al Falah International School – DPS Jeddah and Amna Noor, coordinator of PISJ-ES's junior section, were the guests of honor.
“Remarkable efforts by teacher and students, and work for charity is admirable,” said Noor.
Naseem said: “It is a great event to encourage tiny tots to be creative. It is fruitful for mother and student alike. The art auction for charity melts every body's heart. I am ready to buy everything as it is Sadaqah Jariyah and the artwork is amazing.”
The winner in the craft category was Daud Faraz and his mother Maria, while Abdul Salam Chaudry and his mother Hina were declared the winner in the painting category.
The event came to a close with students getting a sweet wrapped in a strip of paper inscribed with art tips and the mothers were invited to pen down their comments on the comment board.
Contestants and Winners were generously presented with gifts and refreshments sponsored by Mehran Spices, Pioneer Book House, Aquafina, Al Rashed Bakery, Gandour, SADAFCO, Del Monte Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd, Kwality Ice-Cream. Sun Top, Mahmood Saeed perfumes and Zahrani Foods.
