9th grade student wins writing contest “Denmark in your eyes”
	Nearly 25,000 Green Initiatives at Denmark in Your Eyes 2024 Painting Contest

The event was part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam-Denmark diplomatic relations, and also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the contest since its launch in 2016. Over the past decade, the contest has gone beyond a conventional art playground to become a meaningful cultural and educational activity, contributing to fostering creativity, civic awareness, and environmental responsibility among students.

With the theme “Green Living,” this year’s contest drew over 130,000 submissions from students across the country, the highest ever recorded. The Organizing Committee awarded 86 individual prizes and 7 collective prizes, including 1 grand prize, 2 first prizes, 4 second prizes, 8 third prizes, 50 consolation prizes, and 21 promising prizes. These figures not only reflect the contest’s growing appeal but also show that issues such as the environment, climate, energy conservation, the use of recycled materials, and ecosystem protection have become familiar concerns for many students.

Mette Ekeroth, Deputy Ambassador of Denmark in Viet Nam. (Photo: Bao Ngoc).

Notably, the artworks clearly demonstrated a connection between global issues and the everyday experiences of children in different localities. Many paintings used recycled materials and mixed media, conveying practical and relatable messages about saving resources, protecting wildlife, reducing waste, combating drought, and bringing clean energy to disadvantaged areas.

Painter Nguyen Huu Hanh, a member of the jury, shared that the quality of submissions this year was high, reflecting students’ careful investment and independent thinking. The value of each work lies not only in technique but also in the harmony between emotion, ideas, and age-appropriate expression.

Speaking at the ceremony, Le Ngoc Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Climate Change Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Vice President of the Viet Nam-Denmark Friendship Association, said that as humanity faces serious challenges from pollution and climate change, raising awareness and building “green living” habits in society is especially important. According to him, through rich imagination and unique expression, students have told profound environmental stories and delivered a strong message that green living is about building a sustainable future for today and for future generations.

The Organizing Committee awarded 1 Grand Prize and 2 First Prizes to students with outstanding works. (Photo: Bao Ngoc).

Mette Ekeroth, Deputy Ambassador of Denmark in Viet Nam, described the contest as vivid evidence of the role of culture and art in connecting people and communities while inspiring creativity. She noted that in Denmark, art and culture are always regarded as “a bond that connects people,” and through this contest, students have expressed the theme of green living in creative and inspiring ways. According to her, students not only envision a green future but also demonstrate their direct role in shaping it; this sense of responsibility and creativity will help drive positive change and further strengthen the friendship between Viet Nam and Denmark.

Compared to previous seasons, the 2025-2026 edition has expanded significantly, showing that the contest is becoming increasingly established in school life and in Viet Nam-Denmark cultural exchange activities.

Sung Quang Huy, a grade 3A5 student at Meo Vac Primary School in Tuyen Quang province, who won a consolation prize, shared that his painting titled “Green Energy on My Homeland’s Rocky Plateau” reflects his wish that “all villages in my hometown have electricity.” From this simple statement, it is clear that students are thinking not only about the green of nature but also about access to clean energy and better living conditions for their communities.

Giang Thi Hoa, a grade 5B student at Tung Vai Semi-Boarding Ethnic Primary and Secondary School in Tuyen Quang province, who won a third prize, said her painting was inspired by concerns about drought in her hometown. She expressed her joy at receiving the award and explained that her artwork tells the story of a place where “there is almost no rain,” and her wish for a “rain vehicle” to ease drought in her homeland.

Artworks displayed at the award ceremony. (Photo: Bao Ngoc).

Another perspective came from Trinh Yen Nhi, a grade 5A student at Hoang Dieu Primary School. She said she used fabric and clay to create her award-winning work, aiming to convey a message about protecting wildlife, preventing extinction, and striving for a better life. It took her about a week to complete the piece, with the biggest challenge being finding suitable materials.

Hoang Thi Thoa, an art teacher at Tay Yen Tu Primary School (Bac Ninh), said encouraging students to use recycled materials is an effective way to foster creativity while raising environmental awareness. According to her, international platforms like “Denmark in Your Eyes” are meaningful in inspiring and nurturing students’ creative capacities. This joy was amplified as one of her students, Pham Ngoc Khoi, won the contest’s only grand prize.

The “Denmark in Your Eyes” contest is a vivid example of cultural exchange activities. Through painting, Vietnamese children have the opportunity to learn more about a Nordic country with extensive experience in sustainable development and to express their views on global issues. Denmark, in turn, gains a closer channel to engage with young Vietnamese generations, thereby deepening the friendship between the two countries on the foundations of education, creativity, and social responsibility.

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