Three young people won first, second and third place in a drawing contest held to show the effects of alcohol abuse and effective measures that can be used to reduce the dangers brought on by alcohol. The winners were among 175 competitors who submitted work held by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

The result of the contest was announced on November 8 via video conference in the presence of Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport secretary of state Kim Sothany and officials from relevant ministries and partner organisations and 175 young people who submitted drawings to the organising committee.

The education ministry said on November 8 that the drawings went through a selection process with only the five best pieces of work reaching the final stage. The finalists had their drawings reviewed on November 8 by the committee to select the first, second and third place winners.

The ministry said the three winners were Chor Mengseang from Preah Sihanouk province, with runner-up Chea Vong Norin from Siem Reap province, while third place went to Ny Stina from Stung Treng province.

“The programme was initiated to raise awareness about the effects of alcohol on students and youths and support effective measures to reduce the dangers caused by alcohol abuse among students and youths,” the education ministry posted on Facebook.

According to World Health Organisation, alcohol caused more than 200 illnesses and is the main cause of traffic accidents and a high-risk factor in encouraging violence and poverty. These are the main reason alcohol use should not be promoted.

Mom Kong, executive director of the Cambodia Movement for Health said that the contest highlighted the effects of alcohol abuse and was attended by many young people who contributed greatly to society.

He said youth participation is an effective measure to ask the government to take action on alcohol use.

“This activity contributes to safer and more secure society, more order, and it can assist in reducing any unwanted impacts,” he said.