An art project by Cypriot high school students has been selected by the Saatchi Gallery in London to be included in the 20 finalists for the 2016 Saatchi Gallery / Deutsche Bank Art Prize.

Cast out of white plaster, human figures are depicted desperately clinging on to a small boat to save their lives, in a work inspired by the plight of refugees crossing the Mediterranean, entitled “Immigrants.”

“It is truly an excellent effort which I believe shows the talent and the values the state school encompasses”, said Education and Culture Minister Costas Kadis who visited the Apostolos Loukas Lyceum, in Kolossi, on Tuesday.

The art project, he pointed out, shows off elements which have to do with the educational goals for this year namely respect of diversity, respect of human dignity and developing practices which have to do with combating hatred, bigotry and raising awareness for refugees and migrants who flee their homeland risking their lives for a better tomorrow.

Art teacher and painter Popi Nicolaou expressed her joy that the boat has touched the souls of those interested, who are trying to promote it in every way possible