Thirteen-year-old Sangay Choezom Sherpa, a talented eighth-grade student at Damphu Middle Secondary School in Tsirang, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa 2021-2022. The event witnessed fierce competition among participants from five schools across Bhutan. The Enikki Festa, organized by the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan, is a biennial Art Festival aimed at fostering literacy education and promoting cultural understanding among children aged six to twelve in Asia.
Sangay’s remarkable artwork, spanning five pages, brilliantly captures the essence of Bhutan’s distinctive culture, everyday life, and the profound bond she shares with her family. Her masterpiece stood out in the Grand Prix Award category, earning her the first prize, which includes a cash reward of 2,000 US dollars (equivalent to approximately Nu 164,900) and other valuable prizes.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, Sangay was unable to attend the award ceremony held in Japan last year. Reflecting on her achievement, she expressed her astonishment and overwhelming emotions. Sangay’s commitment to excellence was evident as she dedicated two days, even missing school, to complete her artwork. Throughout her creative journey, she received invaluable assistance from her art club coordinator, who supported her in the art room.
With a wise plan for her future, Sangay intends to utilize the prize money for her tertiary education while further nurturing her artistic skills. The Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO selected Sangay’s entry for the international-level competition after a rigorous screening process at the national level.
The judging criteria for the artworks encompassed elements such as originality, creativity, uniqueness, sensitivity, and variety. By excelling in these aspects, Sangay Choezom Sherpa proved herself as an exceptional young artist, bringing honor not only to her school and community but also to the entire nation of Bhutan.
