On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO (one of its most important priorities is the development of education, access of every person to quality education as a fundamental human right and a condition for human development), the 44th ICEFA Lidice 2016 was dedicated to the theme "School? Education! ".

132 schools and individuals from Latvia  schools and children's centers  were  registered for  ICEFA Lidice 2016 this year and 654 paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics and combined spatial works  were delivered to Lidice also by help of the Embassy of the Czech Republic. The jury chose 63 the most successful paintings and 55 of them have been awarded by the honorable mentions  and 8 of them by the medals "Rose of Lidice".
 

The Ambassador of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Riga H.E. Mr. Miroslav Kosek spoken up his speech in Latvian language  at the beginning of the festive afternoon, he greeted all present young designers and appreciated  their  success. Ms. Eiženija Alderman from the Committee of the Riga City Council for Education, Culture and Sport, Ms. Agra Berzin from the National Center for Education and Ms. Areta Raudzepa from the Center for Education of the Ministry of Education had their speeches for the  award-winning children, their teachers and parents.

Then Ambassador in Latvia Miroslav Kosek  granted  the diplomas and the medals to the most successful young artists.

Fairytale "Three Brothers", the  film of director Jan Svěrák was screened at the end of the afternoon for children as well as  for the adults. The film was translated into Latvian language and simultaneously interpreted by Ms. Aiga Veckalne and Mr. Jānis Krastiņš.

Latvian children and their teachers reaffirmed again  that their country belongs among the major participants and award-winning in  ICEFA . It is not only thanks to passion, talent and persistence of young painters and their teachers, but also to selfless help of  Ms. Arete Raudzepa and Ms. Ilze Rimicāne.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Riga appreciates the opportunity to participate and support the International Children's Exhibition of Fine Arts Lidice very much.