chool children from all over Thailand have contributed their own views of breastfeeding to the Forum. Colourful paintings that express images of breastfeeding and how it fits into traditional Thai lifestyles can be seen in the exhibition area outside of Training Centre.

Why get children involved in a theme like this? "There is a need to create awareness right from childhood on the merits of breastfeeding," replies an official of the Ministry. The competition inspired children to question parents or teachers on the issue, thus conveying the message to the family. 

The Pupils Paintings Competition was jointly organised by the Thai Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF in Thailand , September 1996. In one painting a mother feeds her little one, while sections of the picture branch off to show the healthy and successful life the child will someday lead. Several works show families eating dinner while the mother breastfeeds a baby. Most of the paintings reflect a family bonding, showing that the breastfeeding experience is not restricted to mother and child. 

About 300 children from elementary and secondary schools in the country participated in this competition. The panel of judges included nutritionists, artists and public relations officers, with seven children declared winners on 27 November. This exhibition is a clear indication that age is no barrier in creating awareness about breastfeeding issues.