Luanda - The young artists Daniela Cerejo, Tito Vibes and Eltina Gaspar won, Thursday, in Luanda, the first edition of the “Mental Health” competition, in the categories of Poetry, Painting and Photography, respectively.
The competition - an initiative of the Ministry of Health, WHO-Angola, the Portuguese Cultural Center and the Private University of Angola - took place in alignment with “World Mental Health Day 2024”, celebrated on this date (October 10).
During the event, which was attended by the secretary of State for Public Health, Carlos Pinto de Sousa, the young Verónica na Nuvem (Poetry), Alex Cumbi (Painting) and Domingas Francisco (Photography) were also awarded second place.
In third place, the young Augusto Silva, Jenny Marques and Iraceuma Viviam won in the categories of Poetry, Painting and Photography, respectively.
The winners were each awarded a symbolic piece, certificates and will have the opportunity to benefit from mentoring, as well as support for a project.
According to the organizers, no monetary value was involved, as the concept of art needs to be elevated in a way that is more accessible to everyone.
For the coordinator of the National Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program of the National Directorate of Public Health, Massoxi Vigário, the competition is a creative expression and a powerful tool to encourage the approach to mental health issues through poetry, drawing and photography.
In terms of objectives, the person in charge stressed that the competition aims to highlight the power of art as a means of promoting mental health and well-being, while also encouraging the breaking down of barriers that persist around the topic.
“The event provides a platform for advocacy in favor of dignified and accessible mental health to be strengthened, not only by individuals, but also by the Government”, she said. World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10th. In 2024, the theme is “Mental health at work”, which aims to highlight the essential role of mental health in professional environments, advocating for workplaces where mental health is prioritized, protected and promoted.
ANM/SEC/TED/jmc
