Rabat, May 16, 2024
The winners of the “Colors of Al-Quds” competition were crowned in its fifth edition today, Thursday, in Rabat, as part of the activities of the 29th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair.
The competition was organized by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency (BMAQ) in collaboration with the Regional Academy of Education and Training of Fes-Meknes and the Directorate of Education in Jerusalem, under the theme “Al-Quds: The Center of Human History and Civilization”.
The competition brings together Moroccan students with their peers from Palestinian schools in Jerusalem, to celebrate the Holy City and immortalize its beauty through painting and coloring exercises.
In the category of “Merit Awards”, the first prize was awarded to student Marwa Tawahi from Thuraya Al-Saqat Preparatory School in Fez. The second prize was shared by student Hamza Makar from the “Latibik” private school in El Hajeb, and student Youssef Bosta from the Mohammed Al-Fassi Preparatory School in Fez. The third prize was awarded to student Safaa Fannan from 20 August Preparatory School in Taounate, and student Hanaa Dawood from Moulay Ali Al-Sharif Preparatory School in Sefrou.
As for the “Encouragement Excellence Awards,” they were won by Hassan II School, Bishop’s School, and Arab Academy School, schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education in Jerusalem.
As for the “Encouragement Awards” category, they were awarded to “Hob Al Moulouk” private institution in Sefrou, and to Al Hassan Al Awal Secondary School in Moulay Yacoub, Ibn Khaldoun Secondary School in Taza, as well as Dakhla Secondary School in Meknes.
BMAQ’s director in charge of the current affairs management, Mohammed Salem Echarkaoui, said on the occasion that this year’s edition saw the participation of 161 educational institutions coming from the Fes-Meknes region in all stages of the competition, including 118 public institutions and 43 private institutions, with a total of 643 artistic works.
He added that the judging committee selected 53 artistic works for the competition stage, from which 31 paintings were shortlisted and 9 works were awarded.
Echarkaoui explained that the “Colors of Al-Quds” competition constitutes a mature educational exercise in which talented Moroccan artists, arts club instructors, art professionals, and specialized teachers in drawing, painting, and aesthetics participate.
He pointed out that this “ has enabled us to expand the scope of the competition and enhance its influence in line with our collective desire to promote art culture and refine the tastes of elementary and middle school students, whose ages range from 9 to 14 years”.
He further noted that this orientation will be reinforced in the upcoming years, thanks to the support BMAQ receives from the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, and Scientific Research. The ministry is keen on aligning with the activities of this institution, under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, and honored by His Majesty’s noble supervision.
On his part, the Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, Chakib Benmoussa, affirmed that the “Colors of Al-Quds” competition aims to reinforce the values of tolerance and coexistence, and raise awareness about the importance of the Palestinian issue in the minds of students, through artistic creativity about the city of Jerusalem.
In this regard, he noted that the competition, which BMAQ organizes in collaboration with the ministry, is a commendable initiative deserving praise and appreciation as it provides a golden opportunity for students to showcase their talents and express the extent of their attachment to the holy city of Jerusalem through lines, drawings, and colors, and to leverage the art of painting to highlight the religious and cultural specificities of this City.
He also emphasized the central importance of Jerusalem to the Moroccan nation, as clearly embodied in the insightful vision of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. He highlighted His Majesty’s dedicated efforts to preserve Jerusalem’s unique character as a city of multiple religions and a symbol of peaceful coexistence.
Alaa al-Din Abu Shakheedem, director of Al-Hassan II School in Jerusalem, affirmed that over the past quarter-century, BMAQ has supported the educational process in the City under the directives of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.
He emphasized that throughout these years, the Agency has consistently prioritized the education sector in Jerusalem through partnership programs with the Directorate of Education in Jerusalem.
In this context, Shakheedem pointed out that recently, 10 schools from the directorate have been selected to benefit from school equipment, renovation, rehabilitation works, and the establishment of environmental clubs. These initiatives are aimed at improving the quality of the educational environment in Jerusalem.
On the same occasion, a partnership agreement was signed between BMAQ and the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the two parties in organizing the “Colors of Al-Quds” competition.
Additionally, a cooperation protocol was signed between BMAQ and the Regional Academy of Education and Training for the Marrakech-Safi region concerning the organization of the sixth edition of this competition.
It is worth noting that BMAQ is participating in the 29th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair, which runs until May 19th, with a pavilion named “The Dome of the Rock,” symbolizing its presence at the fair. This participation is in partnership and collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
This pavilion, spanning an area of 90 square meters, was designed with an architectural blend that combines authentic Moroccan elements with Palestinian features reminiscent of landmarks of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly the majestic golden dome. It serves as an integrated and interactive space to accommodate both children and adults.
