Social Inclusion in Guatemala

It was cold, that chilly kind of cold before the sun announces its appearance with bleak streaks of light. Dressed in sweaters and scarves, our all-girl team of four set out for San Martín Jilotepeque. We left this early to beat the traffic and to have an early start because we knew we had a long day ahead of us.

The wall at the Escuela de Educación Especial (School for children with special needs) was ready for us. The cinder block wall was neatly stuccoed and ready for some colour. In accordance with the director of the school, I had made a design about social inclusion with a focus on respect and acceptance, something that persons with special needs still struggle with in rural Guatemala.

It was a tough job! Despite January being the coldest month of the year, the heat was relentless. The white wall reflected the fierce sunlight and heavy traffic was thundering along, right behind our backs. The cones that the friendly traffic police had placed on the road helped a bit to keep us safe but didn’t do much for the exhaustion fumes. It was so bad, we all opted for a facemask, despite the heat! And to top it off, some workmen started opening the road right next to our wall. The noise, the heat, the dust and dirt made it a tough day’s work.

The next day we left even earlier. Sunrise over the mountains of San Martín Jilotepeque was a treat. It felt as if the temperature had slightly dropped and even the traffic seemed to have slowed down a bit. Ten more hours of painting and the wall was completely covered in paint. But alas, we couldn’t finish it completely. Some very important details still need to be painted, such as the name of the school and the symbols for the different abilities that go on the blue squares at the top. I also want to paint the small part at the very right of the wall. So, I’ll have to go back.

Going back to San Martín Jilotepeque was in the planning anyway, because with the Dutch foundation Colour4Kids we’re fundraising towards the construction of a much needed second level at the school. As soon as we’ll have raised the needed funds (donations are very welcome!), the construction can get started. The first thing to be built is a ramp leading to the first floor. In order to do so, the outside wall will be raised a bit and this part needs to be painted too, so I’m going back no matter what. Hopefully sooner rather than later!

This mural would not have been possible without the help of Catherine Corry, Gaby Rodriguez and Diana Hernández, my fantastic painting crew. Thanks also to Elmer Hernández Lara, director of the school for helping with the logistics and the parents who volunteered to stucco the wall. Thanks to Cristy Velasco for the delicious lunch and snacks. And of course, a big shout-out to Colour4Kids for sponsoring this mural.

To be continued!