Come see NATO through a child’s eyes

What does a baby kangaroo in her mother’s pouch have in common with the children of NATO? Security. At least that’s what one young Latvian artist thinks. This summer children in Latvia were invited to express their feelings about NATO through art. The result is over 1500 original works of art, expressing the values and benefits of NATO in a wide variety of imaginative, colourful, and creative ways.

Children in two age groups, from 1st to 4th grade and from 5th to 9th grade, were given a special challenge at the beginning of the new school year.  As part of the “Learn About NATO!” contest they were taught about NATO and the upcoming Riga Summit. Then they were asked to use their imaginations to visualize their interpretations of Defence on Land, Sea and Air. They were also invited to depict the core principles of NATO - – Cooperation, Security and Defence.

The results ranged from serious to whimsical, simple to complex. While many made free use of NATO’s distinctive blue colour, others offered a rainbow of hues to convey their ideas. As could be expected, many depicted ships, planes, soldiers and paratroopers in a variety of situations. Yet others associated NATO with nature, family values, the warmth of the home and the affection of loved ones. (Including kangaroo moms!)

But the contest was not restricted to Latvia alone. Invitations to participate were sent out to pupils in many of NATO’s partner countries – Georgia, Ukraine, Croatia, Albania and Macedonia. Over one hundred of the best submission will be displayed in a public exhibit before the Riga Summit. In addition a special 2007 calendar will be created featuring 12 of the artworks.