29/09/2025
Press Release
Vision Zero Plastic – Children’s Art Competition and Exhibition in Bad Godesberg, Bonn, September 28, 2025
A colorful and inspiring afternoon unfolded on Saturday as children and parents filled the Zentrenmanagement in Bad Godesberg with creativity, ideas, and enthusiasm. The “Vision Zero Plastic” art competition went beyond raising awareness of environmental pollution—it highlighted children’s visions of a sustainable, clean future and how each of us can help protect our planet.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Abdul Hai, board member of the Seraji Foundation e.V., and Ms. Fatama Jabin, board member of the German Working Group for Bangladesh (DAfB e.V). Ms. Vanessa Püllen, coordinator of the Bonn Network for Development, and Ms. Ines Böhme from Kultur verbindet e.V. then introduced the program and methodology. Following a lively Q&A session on plastic pollution and environmental protection, the children eagerly turned their attention to painting.
Divided into two age groups, 5–8 years and 9–14 years, the young artists created remarkable works depicting oceans free of microplastics, the protection of our planet, and the power of small actions to make a big difference. During a gallery walk, the children proudly presented their artworks, sparking thoughtful conversations among the adults in attendance.
The day concluded with an award ceremony, attended by City and District Manager Frank Schmitz, renowned artist Maruf Ahmed, as well as Ines Böhme and Vanessa Püllen. “Choosing the winners from such outstanding artworks was no easy task,” noted Püllen. Artist Maruf Ahmed encouraged the participants with a powerful message: “Art makes visible what matters to us, and it can inspire us to change our actions, even if only a little, every day.” His words captured the uplifting and motivating spirit of the afternoon.
In Group A, the winners were:
• 1st Place: Sabika Haque Subha (6)
• 2nd Place: Aalia Islam (6)
• 3rd Place: Rumaysa Al Zariah (5)
In Group B, the winners were:
• 1st Place: Rashiqa Rameen (10)
• 2nd Place: Manaf Al Waziran (9)
• 3rd Place: Omar Islam (9)
Special thanks go to all the children, parents, jury members, and cooperation partners: Zentrenmanagement Bad Godesberg, Kultur verbindet e.V., Bonn Network for Development, and the German Working Group for Bangladesh (DAfB e.V.). Media partners Our Voice Online and Die Grenze supported the initiative. The event was made possible with funding from the Bonn-Bad Godesberg Disposition Fund under the program “Future-Ready Inner Cities and Centers.”
Watch more highlights from the event here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ycUsvkH59RVpep9kM-SeokRkE92sHK16
