Students and teachers join Global Peace Foundation representatives during the award ceremony of the second “Narrating Peace” Literary Contest in Asunción.
Students, teachers, and families gathered on Friday, December 5, 2025, to celebrate the winners of the Second “Narrating Peace” Literary Contest, an initiative of the Global Peace Foundation that encourages children to explore the meaning of peace through creativity and imagination.
Held at the foundation’s headquarters, the ceremony welcomed students from preschool and elementary levels who participated with short stories, poems, reflective phrases, and drawings. Seventeen students participated in this year’s edition, each offering a unique interpretation of peace and its various expressions in daily life.
Young writers and artists pose following the awards ceremony of the second “Narrating Peace” contest.
The event opened in an atmosphere of joy and anticipation, with parents and teachers looking on proudly. A panel of judges, comprising Graciela Ferreira, Chony Calderón, and Lidia Edit Amarilla, evaluated the submissions based on creativity, style, message, and clarity. Several selected works were read aloud during the ceremony, giving the audience a glimpse into the depth and sincerity of the participants’ perspectives.
Sofía Valquiria Gómez and Fabrizio Ortigoza earned first place, followed by Leryn Dahiane Benítez in second, and Sebastián Matto in third. All participants received medals and certificates recognizing their effort, while the winners were awarded books by Paraguayan authors, chosen to inspire them on their creative journeys.
A special highlight of the morning was the formal presentation of books to the 2024 winners, fulfilling a commitment made during the contest’s first edition. The gesture underscored the foundation’s continued dedication to nurturing young talent and honoring the voices of every participant.
Dr. Alda Cardozo, the driving force behind the project, together with her team, Marilyn Perales, Graciela Ferreira, and Choni Calderón, moments before presenting the medals.
The celebration concluded with group photos and words of gratitude from the Global Peace Foundation, highlighting the transformative power of artistic expression in fostering a culture of peace within schools and communities.
By giving children a platform to share their stories and ideas, the “Narrating Peace” contest has become a meaningful space for learning, reflection, and unity. The enthusiastic involvement of students, the support of families, and the engagement of educators demonstrate the growing impact of this initiative, which is steadily becoming a cherished tradition in the educational and cultural landscape.
