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Colourful and creative designs by Hampshire schoolchildren, depicting religious festivals and events across the year, are set for unveiling at the launch of Hampshire's first Interfaith Calendar. The ‘Young Creative Souls' calendar will be revealed at its launch to be held at Winchester's Discovery Centre (1 December 2008) where the 12 young people who submitted the winning entries will receive their prizes. The ‘Hampshire Interfaith Network' represents the nine faiths included in the UK Council of Faith, these are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Baha'i, Jain and Zoroastrian. The aim of the network is to promote interfaith harmony and understanding for the benefit of the people of Hampshire by encouraging and promoting respect, communication and the knowledge of different faiths across the county. Over 400 entries were submitted by youngsters, in response to the calendar challenge from the ‘Hampshire Interfaith Network' . The competition was co-ordinated by HIN together with Hampshire Ethnic Minority & Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS). The aim was to engage schools and encourage pupils and students to produce ideas and images for any one given calendar month in 2009. Each winning design relates to one of over a hundred religious festivals and events featured in the calendar from the nine faith groups represented. The winning entrants will receive a £30 prize and their schools will collect £100. December's winning entry relates to the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and the design features the menorah, an eight-armed candle. The word Hanukkah means rededication and commemorates the Jews' struggle for religious freedom. The festival lasts for eight days. The first candle is lit on day one, two candles on day two and so on. The winning entry for July meanwhile, relates to the Buddhist celebration of Dharma day and the design features a common Buddhist symbol, the wheel, along with each of the aspects of the "noble eightfold path". Dharma day marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching. The word Dharma can be translated as truth and is the term used for the path to enlightenment. This can be seen as the start of the Buddhist religion, and is celebrated on this day The judging panel comprised of senior members of Hampshire County Council's Children's Services, Equality and Diversity Manager and Co-Chair of the Hampshire Interfaith Network and Deputy Leader of the County Council, Roy Perry. Councillor Perry, said: "The competition produced some fantastic and impressive artwork from the entrants and allowed children to further their understanding between various faiths in our county while strengthening relationships across our communities. These beautifully designed calendars, will give residents across Hampshire an opportunity to understand a little better and celebrate the various faiths and cultures that make up the community in which we live. We hope to repeat this competition for a 2010 calendar and have even more entries". For more information visit Hampshire County Council |
