Painting contest in Mozambique celebrates President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy

The Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique, in collaboration with the Maputo City Council, held the awards ceremony for the painting contest “President Ho Chi Minh and Viet Nam through my eyes” at Josina Machel Secondary School in the capital, Maputo, on May 19 to mark the late Vietnamese leader’s 136th birth anniversary (1890–2026).

First prize winner of the contest (C) honoured at the ceremony (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique)
First prize winner of the contest (C) honoured at the ceremony (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique)

Launched in April 2026, the competition attracted around 1,000 pupils from 12 secondary schools across the city. The organisers selected 165 works for the final round.

At the awards ceremony, the organisers presented one first prize, three second prizes, five third prizes, and 15 consolation prizes to outstanding submissions.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin recalled the profound humanitarian values of President Ho Chi Minh’s life, career, and ideology.

She underlined his influence on national liberation movements, including in Mozambique. The diplomat also highlighted the enduring bond between Viet Nam and Mozambique — two countries geographically distant but close in sentiment, sharing common ideals of freedom and independence.

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Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin speaks at the event (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique)

The Ambassador expressed the hope that younger generations of both countries will continue to nurture the creativity and enthusiasm fostered by the contest, turning cultural and educational initiatives into bridges that deepen bilateral ties.

Sharing a similar view, Michael Croft, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Mozambique, said President Ho Chi Minh’s philosophies resonate with both nations: seeing culture as the spiritual foundation of society, a driver of progress, and a guiding principle for national development.

Dr Helio Martins Mudender, Director of the Maputo City Department of Education, described the contest as an occasion to honour youth, creativity, and the universal values in President Ho Chi Minh’s thought.

He stressed that each drawing not only reflects artistic talent but also demonstrates historical reflection and cultural exchange between the two peoples. He expressed his hope that the initiative will inspire further cultural, educational, and artistic activities in schools, contributing to Mozambique’s vision of an education system oriented towards peace, creativity, and responsibility.

NDO
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