By Syma Sayyah, Tehran

Some months ago Cultural section of the Mexican Embassy in Tehran sent out an invitation to many of Tehran schools inviting their students to take part in 13th Children's drawing Contest" launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, primarily aimed at Mexicans children abroad, but also open to children around the world.  Children between ages of 7-11 could take part and they could draw or paint on a 30x30cm using what they liked and then sign their names and date it.

The art works were to be sent to the Mexican embassy through the relevant school and then a team of children art specialists were to choose the winner.

I was cordially invited by his Excellency Mr. Carlos Tirado Zavala the Mexican ambassador on the day the awards were to be handed over.

Mr. Carlos Tirado Zavala presenting certificate to one of the children

Somehow despite my busy schedule in middle of a working day I made it to the embassy being late only 12 minutes, which I had previously apologized for.  As I walked into the lower ground floor, I noticed about 30 children and a few of their teachers watching a film about Mexico.  Soon afterwards the participation certificates were handed out to the children by his Excellency Mr. Zavala and his deputy Mr. Victor Koyoc. The children were happy and their teacher even happier.
 

After the ceremony, the children took pictures with the ambassador and then quietly left and I dashed back to the office.

It is wonderful when such cultural efforts brings so many happy faces together and enlighten the vision of those children who part take.  I was so happy to be present and witness so much joy and cheerfulness that makes you remember how wonderful it is to be children again; carefree and easy to please.

May others find similar cultural program for better and easier ways to cross the bridge of cultural understanding and cooperation.  Here are a few photos for you to share this happy event, thanks to Mexican Embassy in Tehran.

Please read the official announcement for further information below. Thank you!

"This is My Mexico"

On 26th  October, in an event held at the Cultural Center of the Embassy of Mexico in Iran, to present the certificates of recognition, and an honorable mention to the 81 children from Iran who participated in the thirteenth children's drawing contest "This is My Mexico", organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Institute of Mexicans Abroad.

To encourage future participation of students, this Embamex presented an exhibition of the drawings received in Iran, before being sent to the Foreign Ministry; there were digital copies, which were printed and framed for presentation to the general public during November, simultaneous with the Altar of the Dead which is currently on display at the Cultural Center of the Embassy.

Participating children and assistants, students of Iranian and foreign schools, received their diploma along with recognition, and a digital copy of the drawing sent the contest.

During their visit, and opening of the exhibition, the Ambassador presented a certificate of attendance to all children contestants, and the Honorable Mention Diploma (awarded by the jury) to the Iranian girl Maedeh Heydarlaky.

Also, attendees were given a brief monograph on Mexico, in English, and they viewed an animated short film, made by children in "The A.C Matatena Workshop".

The annex newsletter was distributed in Persian and English to local media.

The participants' drawings will remain on display throughout the month of November along with the altars of the dead exhibition and other cultural activities.

... Payvand News - 11/13/09 ... --