The 13th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art contest has been going on in schools across the country and the winners have been recently announced.
The nine children aged 15 years and below were chosen after a 3-month long process of shortlisting finalists from close to 400 entries in 3 different categories from across the country. The artworks of the nine will be submitted to Japan for consideration in the World Contest where other children from more than 80 countries are also competing.
Speaking during the event, Toyota Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel said this year’s artworks demonstrated Kenyan children’s creativity and their great ideas of improving the lives of individuals in the society through automobiles.
“The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest wants children to have fun even as they draw their dream cars. I am very inspired by these young, yet great minds and what they have come up with. They have remarkable imaginations and have put their great ideas on paper. We are passionate about this contest because we want to show children that their dreams matter and Toyota is committed to supporting their dreams.”
The challenge of narrowing down the 368 entries received from across the country was assigned to a panel of judges which included renowned artist Maddo, Sketch artists– Mr. Sketch as well as art teachers and enthusiasts. Cynthia Bukanza from Mukuru Arts Club located in Mukuru slum in Nairobi, could not hide her delight and excitement in being top in her category. “I am extremely happy and excited to be among the finalists. I love drawing and when I heard about this year’s contest, I knew that I had to participate. I hope I win it for Kenya this year,” said an excited Cynthia.
If any of these winners achieve a top place in their category in the global Contest, they will be invited to travel to Japan, to experience Japanese culture and Toyota craftsmanship and attend the Toyota Dream Car Global Awards Ceremony in August 2019.
Below is a list of the Kenyan finalists:
Category: 12 – 15 years
Gold: Cynthia Bukanza – Mukuru Art Club, Nairobi
Silver: Aayushi Harshad Varsani – Oshwal Academy Nairobi
Bronze: Emmanuel Malunga Ouko – Mukuru Arts Club, Nairobi
Category: 8 – 11 years
Gold: Nikhil Anup Patel – Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj School, Nairobi West
Silver: Dhara Vishaal Shah – Braeburn School, Kisumu
Bronze: Sonakshi Kanwar Shekhwat, Nairobi
Category: Under 8 years
Gold: Priyanka Pratin Shah – Premier Academy – Nairobi
Silver: Magdaline Njeya – Mukuru Art Club, Nairobi
Bronze: Arav Mittun Patel – Braeburn School, Kisumu