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A memorable picture from the 10 years anniversary of The Children of the Earth Prize in 1999. Five of the original seven children were reunited at North Cape, where they also met Simon Flem Devold (number two from the left). Photo: Dag Christensen
A memorable picture from the 10 years anniversary of The Children of the Earth Prize in 1999. Five of the original seven children were reunited at North Cape, where they also met Simon Flem Devold (number two from the left). Photo: Dag Christensen

History

It was Simon Flem Devold, a well-known Norwegian writer and friend of children, who in 1987 suggested that North Cape, the prominent geographic and historic point of intersection between East and West, be used for something of positive, symbolic value far beyond the borders of Norway.

Why not, he thought, bring children from different nations and cultures together at North Cape and let them create a lasting expression of youthful understanding, cooperation and joy - uninhibited by national, racial, religious or political boundaries!

In June 1988, seven boys and girls from as many countries on several continents converged on the cliff to create reliefs of clay with motives reflecting their creativity and emotions. The youngsters who in this manner demonstrated the congenital desire of children everywhere to have a good time and be friendly toward each other, were Jasmine from Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, Rafael from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Ayumi from Kawasaki in Japan, Sithidej from Bangkok in Thailand, Gloria from Jesi in Italy, Anton from Murmansk in the (former) Soviet Union and Louise from New York City, USA. From the very beginning, they were called The Children of the Earth.