"We will not let poverty hamper your future."
That's the English translation of Mayu Muto's grand-prize winning entry in the third Development Slogan Contest sponsored by the Tokyo office of the World Bank.
Maya believes poverty should not dictate anyne's future. She gave an inspiring speech in Japanese on Saturday early afternoon as she received her prize from Kazushige Taniguchi, Special Representative of the World Bank, along with three other Excellence Award winners of the third Development Slogan Contest. The contest is held every year in Tokyo to deepen understanding about development issues among Japanese youth.
Muto, a second year student at Hiroshima Prefectural Yoshida Senior High School, said she stumbled upon the slogan contest during her summer break. As she prepared herself for the contest, she was surprised to find out that there is so much poverty in the world.
Muto, who wants to become a chef, said participating in the contest has allowed her to re-examine her daily life and her priorities. When she grows up, she hopes the food she prepares will bring joy and hope to people around the world.
The Development Contest started in 2010. All 1,600 slogans submitted this year " shared hope for boundaries beyond Japan," said Cyril Muller, World Bank Vice President ofExternal Affairs,at the event. He added that this year's event was special because it marked the 60th anniversary since Japan joined the World Bank Group. The event was held as leaders from around the world gathered in Tokyo this week for the 2012 Annual meetings.
The three other winners of the contest are Anju Kato, Rina Takahashi and Nagomi Ikeda. All of them are Japanese high school students and were presented Excellence Award Winner certificates.
