It was the first art competition Sophia Hla entered, but it’s unlikely to be the last.
The year 9 student at Wyndham Central College in Hoppers Crossing, arrived in Australia from her native Myanmar three years ago to escape the country’s ruling military junta.
As a way of expressing her feelings about events in her homeland and to try and be a voice of her generation and community, Sofia entered the school’s recent Refugee Week Art competition. She promptly won.
“ I am so proud of myself for making the piece and giving a voice for my peers from my country,” said Sophia of her painting ‘The Future of Myanmar’s Youth’ which took out first prize.
Expressing the fear, despair and helplessness of Myanmar’s youth under the junta, Sophia’s work also features themes of defiance and hope for the future.
According to Wyndham Central College’s community engagement lead, Kristy Gray, Sophia’s artwork was the perfect example of what the Refugee Week Art Prize was all about.
“At Wyndham Central College Refugee Week is important as we have 5.7 per cent of our student population as refugee status,” she said.
“ Refugee Week promotes greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face, and the contributions they make to the Australian community. We aim to shed light on the power of family bonds in the face of adversity and emphasise the crucial role families play in providing solace, support, and a sense of belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.”
Cade Lucas.
