Mr. Ongua Benard, a 20 year old boy from Arua won the Global Democracy Day's art competition's 1st price with his drawing "Democracy starts at home"
The Jury's motivation for awarding Ongua Benard the 1st price: "Democracy on a national or local level is not immediately dependent on democratic family structures and gender equality. And then again: How can a repressed woman be able to be involved in society if she dare not speak her mind in her own home?
The illustration is precise and direct. It is also sad and thought-provoking – the more you look at the drawing, the more alarming it becomes. How do they feel in that family? The illustration makes a clear and comprehensive example to symbolise what democracy is about. The message is condensed in a concrete example that is easy to relate to rather than an intangible discussion of the concept of democracy."
Ongua Benard have lived in Arua his whole life. His father died in 1996 and the family was seperated because his mother had difficulties with providing food for the whole family. Benard was placed at his uncle's place and has struggled to go through primary and secondary school. But he succeeded, got his O-level exam and his drawing is a testimony of a life faced by many children in Uganda.
Congratulations once again!
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