La Francophonie - 50th Anniversary
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (French-speaking communities), based on and inspired by the sharing of a common language, celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the New Caledonia Government, in partnership with OPT-NC, launched a competition inviting primary and secondary school students to come up with an illustration for an anniversary stamp issue.
Since February, budding artists have been channelling their talents into creating their visual interpretation of La Francophonie, the values it represents or New Caledonia’s involvement in a movement which connects over 80 countries and territories worldwide. All hands-on or digital techniques were allowed, with the exception of photography.
Delighted by the keen response and high quality of the 127 drawings sent in from 12 schools, a panel of judges including representatives of the Government, OPT-NC, La Francophonie, and the Local Education Authority met on 15th June to select the lucky winners.
The first prize, issued as a 210 XPF postage stamp, was awarded to Théo Pidjot, a year 12 student at Lycée Saint-Joseph-de-Cluny high school in Noumea, while the Francophonie prize, featured on the First Day cover accompanying the inaugural issue of the stamp, was awarded to Pascaline Kaïchou, a year 8 student at Canala secondary school.
Additionally, and exceptionally, as acknowledgement of his design’s high quality, a third prize - the Special Jury Prize - was awarded to Aymeric Luepak, a Class 304 student at Dumbéa-sur-Mer secondary school. His work will be featured on a postal card.
A variety of events are scheduled around the world as part of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of La Francophonie. You’ll find all the news about La Francophonie events in New Caledonia on the government website:
https://gouv.nc/actualites/thematique/francophonie
