“Soldiers Through Children's Eyes”: MOD Art Competition 2025 knows its winners

How do children perceive and understand military personnel? In essence, their artwork is full of truth, purity, sincerity and admiration. For the past 24 years, the “Soldiers Through Children's Eyes” MOD Art Competition intended for primary school pupils has been bringing the youngest school-goers' perspective on Slovak Armed Forces soldiers' everyday life and missions.

In keeping with tradition, the competition is officially announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák, Chief of Defence Daniel Zmeko, and the Defence Magazine Editorial Staff. Their common goal is to introduce children to essential values ​​such as courage, service to the nation, sacrifice and humanity, while offering them the space for their individual points of view on the men and women of our Armed Forces through art. For almost a quarter of a century, the competition has become an exceptional bridge between the world of children and the world of those who keep our country safe.

A total of 2,005 entries from 260 primary schools and from 19 individuals were submitted for the competition this year. The young aspiring artists competed in two categories – Junior Pupils (7-10 age group) and Senior Pupils (11-15 age group). As the level of all competition entries continues to be very high, a panel of judges, involving both professional and amateur artists, MOD military and civilian staff, had a tough decision to choose the three best artworks in each category. With all eligible entries judged on style, originality and message, this year 1,310 pieces were evaluated in the Junior Pupils category, and 696 pieces in the Senior Pupils category.

Over the past two decades, thousands of children have taken part in the competition. Some of them already have their own children who send their original works with the same enthusiasm. Year after year, we are thrilled to see how captivatingly they explore our 'Soldiers' theme – always full of respect, courage and heroism.

In a joint statement, the competition's organisation team said: “With their unique perspective and artistic expression, children can express things that adults often cannot put into words. All the children’s work is full of sincerity, empathy and respect. Through this competition for the past 24 years, we are proud to have been able to share how children’s eyes perceive the men and women in uniform – as heroes, protectors, and close friends. A huge thank you goes to all the children, teachers, and parents who support their children’s creativity and interest in the core values the Slovak Armed Forces ​​represent.”

A wide variety of art techniques were used to create entries, including painting, drawing, graphics, collage, and even plastics. In addition, there was an exceptional work of art by a blind author using Braille as an artistic medium, and although we do not have 'spatial artwork' as a separate category, we see it as a valuable and enriching contribution to the competition.

The Ministry of Defence is delighted to announce the winners of the 24th edition of the “Soldiers Through Children's Eyes” MOD Art Competition:

Junior Pupils Category:

1st place: “The Soldier as a Friend” by Ela Kijacová (Private Elementary Art School in Omšenie)

2nd place: “The Servicewoman as a Hero” by Emma Čikkelová (Pribinova Primary School in Zlaté Moravce)

3rd place: “My Hero in Uniform” by Ivan Holub (Záborského Primary School in Pozdišovce)

Senior Pupils Category:

1st place: “The Serviceman” by Monika Chybová (Private Elementary Art School in Trenčianske Teplice)

2nd place: “Ready to Help” by Emília Lacká (Dubček Elementary Art School in Vranov nad Topľou)

3rd place: “Pain” by Michaela Kentošová (Topoľová Primary School in Nitra)

The first-, second- and third-place finishers of both categories will receive diplomas, gifts and cash prizes – €160, €130, €110, respectively. Selected artworks will be displayed on-site at the Ministry of Defence. We are looking forward to some inspiring artwork for the 25th jubilee edition of the MOD Art Competition next year.