Drawing the Power of the Mind! 4,599 Artworks Respond to Kaohsiung’s Anti-Drug Campaign – Children Express Their Anti-Drug Beliefs Through Art

Using paintbrushes to express their anti-drug beliefs and rooting anti-drug education in children’s hearts! The Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Drug Prevention, in collaboration with the Education Bureau and the Kaohsiung Social Welfare Charity Association, organized the '2026 Harbor City Anti-Drug Cup Character Education Drawing Contest.' This year’s theme focused on combating emerging drugs such as 'zombie vape,' e-cigarettes, and snacks disguised as candy, attracting enthusiastic participation from elementary school students across Kaohsiung, with a total of 4,599 artworks submitted. The award ceremony was held today (9th) at the Fengshan Administrative Center Grand Hall, using artistic creation to guide children in understanding the dangers of emerging drugs and integrating the concepts of 'identifying, refusing, and preventing drugs' into character education.

The ceremony was attended by Drug Prevention Director Chen Ying-Xiu, Councilor Lin Zhi-Hong, Chairman Li Zhao-Yang of the Kaohsiung Social Welfare Charity Association, Education Bureau Section Chief Xu Zhao-Lin, TSG Hawks baseball player Zhang Zhao-Yuan, Chairman Liu Shun-Rong of Wan-Nei Ci-Hui Love Association, Chairman Zheng Fang-Ru of Ren-Ren Charity Association, and Chairman Ke Zhong-Qi of Wen-Xiao Charity Association. In addition to awarding prizes to the winning students, certificates of appreciation were presented to NGOs and judging committee members for their contributions to anti-drug education, supporting children’s healthy development.

Focusing on 'Zombie Vape,' E-Cigarettes, and Disguised Snacks – Top Winners to Perform Ceremonial First Pitch at TSG Hawks Game

Chen Ying-Xiu emphasized that this year’s competition specifically highlights emerging drug issues, aiming to transform anti-drug messages from mere slogans into relatable, memorable life education through children’s most familiar and creative medium—painting. Throughout the process of conceptualizing, drawing, and completing their artworks, children actively learn about the appearances and dangers of substances like 'zombie vape,' e-cigarettes, and disguised snacks, cultivating the ability to identify risks and bravely say no.

Chen warned that etomidate, commonly known as 'zombie vape,' and other emerging drugs may be disguised as e-liquid, candies, cookies, or coffee packets to lower teenagers’ guard. Parents and educators should closely monitor children’s daily lives and social circles, and use everyday conversations to build accurate anti-drug knowledge. Children should be reminded to 'never take, eat, or try anything unfamiliar' and to immediately seek help from trusted adults such as family or teachers when encountering suspicious items or situations, collectively building a protective network against drugs for children and youth.

This year’s competition recognized works with awards for Excellence, Merit, Commendation, and Selection. Winners received精美 prizes and TSG Hawks professional baseball game tickets. Notably, students awarded 'Excellence' will be invited to serve as ceremonial first pitch guests at the TSG Hawks professional baseball game on August 12, integrating anti-drug education with sports to encourage children to develop self-discipline, health awareness, and positive life attitudes through sports, turning the spirit of 'refusing drugs' into concrete action.

The award ceremony was filled with joy and excitement, featuring TSG Hawks’ mascot TAKAO interacting with children, anti-drug drama performances, simulated drug exhibit displays, quiz games, interactive booths, and market stalls. Families and children learned about the disguised forms and dangers of emerging drugs through play and interaction, further establishing the healthy mindset of 'refusing drugs and refusing e-cigarettes.'

The Drug Prevention Department stressed that anti-drug efforts cannot rely on a single agency alone; a comprehensive protective network must be built through joint efforts from families, schools, and society. Moving forward, they will continue to integrate campus education, creative outreach, sports activities, and NGO partnerships, deepening public anti-drug awareness through diverse, everyday approaches, enhancing children and youth’s vigilance against emerging drugs and e-cigarettes. By rooting anti-drug education in schools and starting with children, they aim to co-create a healthy, safe, and happy growing environment for Kaohsiung.

TSG Hawks baseball player Zhang Zhao-Yuan attended the award ceremony. With 4,599 anti-drug artworks submitted, top winners will perform the ceremonial first pitch at a TSG Hawks game. (Photo: Kaohsiung City Drug Prevention Department)