Belgian author Kathleen Vereecken wins Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize

Belgian writer Kathleen Vereecken is honoured with one of Germany's most important awards for children's and youth literature. She receives the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize for her children's novel "Everything will be all right, always" (original Dutch title 'Alles komt goed, altijd').

In the book, the Ghent-based author tells the story of Alice, who fled with her family from a Belgian village to France during the First World War. The girl is no longer allowed to be a child and has to take responsibility for her younger siblings who are on the run.

Ina Brandes, Minister of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, says: "In an impressive story about war, flight and love, Kathleen Vereecken brings the message of never giving up hope. She shows that only through solidarity - especially in the family - can a way out of dark times be found."

The Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize is being awarded for the 39th time this year and is endowed with 7,500 euros. It is one of the most important awards for German-language children's and youth literature. The prize is awarded annually to a book that encourages young readers to work for human rights, civil forms of conflict resolution, tolerance and violence against.

The prize commemorates the commitment to peace policy of former Federal President Gustav Heinemann (1899-1976). The prize is administered by the State Center for Civic Education in the Ministry of Culture and Science. The award ceremony will take place on 2 December 2022 at the LWL Museum in Münster.

#FlandersNewsService

© PHOTO Bernhard Ludewig