June 8
Competition Thoughts and Colors: When Solidarity is Colored with Creativity
"Thoughts and Colors" Contest: When Solidarity Takes on the Colors of Creativity Four schools, hundreds of young artists, one big heart. The POBIC contest concluded with an extraordinary celebration of solidarity. When POBIC launched the “Pensieri e Colori” contest during the 2024–2025 school year, the idea was as simple as it was powerful: to ask children to imagine what a T-shirt expressing solidarity, mutual aid, and the joy of being together would look like. It was a way to bring together art, education, and the values that have guided the association in Italy and around the world for over thirty years. The response was overwhelming. Four Schools, One Shared Challenge From the province of Verona to that of Cremona, four schools enthusiastically took up the challenge: Solinas Elementary School in Verona, Brazzuoli Elementary School in Pozzaglio, Vescovato Elementary School, and Castelvetro Elementary School. Four different schools, united by a desire to get involved and to express, through colors and shapes, what it means to help others. The children drew inspiration from the stories told in class, from fairy tales, and from their own personal emotions. They drew hearts embracing the world, hands clasped together, rainbows connecting continents, and smiles that transcend all borders. Each piece was a small masterpiece of purity and hope. A Journey of Creativity and Anticipation After the submission deadline in March, the most exciting phase began: online voting. Families, friends, teachers, grandparents—everyone participated, sharing the drawings on social media and cheering on the young artists. POBIC’s social media channels were filled with color and messages of encouragement. For weeks, the excitement grew. The three best drawings from each school were selected, and finally, on May 30 and 31, 2026, it was time for the big celebration at the Zanzarina d’Oro in Calvatone. There, a jury of experts had the difficult task of choosing the winners from among extraordinary works, each one capable of moving and inspiring reflection. The Solidarity Podium At the end of an emotionally charged ceremony, the winners were announced: First Place – Solinas Elementary School, VeronaAn explosion of colors and symbols that captured the essence of POBIC’s mission: every child in the world deserves care, love, and a future. The winning drawing will be printed on the official POBIC 2026 T-shirt, worn by the association’s volunteers in Italy and abroad. The school will also receive a prize of 1,000 euros to be used for educational projects. Second Place – Brazzuoli Elementary School, PozzaglioA work that moved viewers with its delicacy and depth, simply conveying the value of friendship and mutual support. Third Place – Vescovato Elementary School: A creation brimming with energy and optimism that won over both the jury and the audience with its freshness and universal message of hope. Everyone Is a Winner But while the podium has its stars, the real victory was a collective one. Every child who participated helped spread a powerful message: solidarity can be colorful, joyful, and contagious. They learned that even a simple drawing can make a difference, can bring people together across distances, and can save lives. Because that is exactly what POBIC has been doing for over thirty years: saving lives. Through the Open Heart program, it has performed free surgeries on more than 50 children with heart conditions in Nigeria and Uganda. Through Emergency Transport, it has donated ambulances and trained healthcare personnel in Africa and Ukraine. In 2024 alone, it helped 2,200 displaced families in Ukraine and provided medical care to 200 children in Uganda. All of this is possible thanks to those who believe in solidarity. And this year, thanks also to the young artists from Verona, Pozzaglio, Vescovato, and Castelvetro, who have shown that change begins with a blank sheet of paper and lots and lots of imagination. What’s Next? The winning T-shirt will be worn with pride by POBIC volunteers on their upcoming international missions. A symbol that will travel from Italy to Africa, carrying with it the message that Italian children want to send to children around the world: you are not alone. We care for you. And who knows—maybe among these young artists is already the next doctor, the next volunteer, the next person who will dedicate their life to helping others. Because, as POBIC says: “If each of us decided, in our own small way, to do something for others every day, the world would be a much more beautiful place.” And these children have already started. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 +
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