The mural titled ‘Peaceful Kinmen Island’ created by 12 fifth-grade students from Kinmen County’s Duan Nian Elementary School recently held a ‘handprint’ ceremony, leaving behind their symbolic commitment on the artwork, which measures 3.5 meters high and 7.8 meters wide.

This mural will be showcased at the international children’s peace mural exhibition titled ‘Praying for Peace: Children’s Guernica of Nagasaki’ in August, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb explosion in Nagasaki. Principal Zhang Zhimeng noted that this project, initiated in 1995, is inspired by Picasso's ‘Guernica’ and encourages children worldwide to create murals conveying messages of peace.

Students delved into the historical context of World War II and the Nagasaki atomic bombing while exploring local military remnants in Kinmen, visiting families and community elders to hear firsthand accounts of wartime memories. The handprint ceremony symbolizes their promise and yearning for peace.

Deputy County Head Li Wenliang and Education Bureau Director Sun Liqi attended the event, with Li remarking that this artwork not only reflects students' desire for peace but also incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing students' imaginations and responses to education, sustainability, equality, and peace.