On April 26th
I went to Chimachoy to conduct the first series of workshops for 19 sixth
graders about muralism (its history and socio-cultural importance) and cultural
identity. Before discussing their own cultural identity, the children watched a
presentation of photos from children from all over the world: their homes,
toys, food, pets and games. So many differences, but also so many similarities…
The funniest thing? Kids in Holland
sprinkling CHOCOLATE on their bread!
Then the
children made drawings of aspects of their own culture, such as domestic
animals, transportation, housing and the environment. And while the sixth graders were hard at work, four high
school students were a great help to me measuring each panel of the future
mural. Good thing too, because each panel (26 in total!) is a bit different in
size. After adding up all the measurements, it turns out the wall is a bit
smaller than expected, a total of 65.25 meters long and 2.18 meters high (if
measured correctly). The total cost for this project will be around $2500, so
that comes down to $17.50 per square meter.
I also handed over almost $400 for the materials for
repairing and plastering the wall, a job the parents will be in charge off.
Thanks so much to The Pollination Project, Diane Morton and
Tessa de Goede for sponsoring. So far 64 square meters of the 143 are
sponsored. You can “own” your own square meter of mural for just $17.50!
You can use the Paypal “Donate” button on this page or go to
the mural’s fundraising page.