Scores of primary school pupils turned out yesterday to paint murals on the walls at the back of the Botanical Gardens as the Environmental Commu-nity Health Organisation (ECHO) continues to do its bit to raise awareness and beautify Guyana.
About 60 pupils from various schools turned out with their teachers and even some parents on Mandela Avenue yesterday morning armed with paint brushes and paint. They painted over the faded concrete part of the fence with white paint and then drew their own environmental messages along the stretch.
While the turnout was more than expected, it wasn’t the first mural painting activity that ECHO had organised with the students. ECHO Director of Schools Samuel King explained to Stabroek News yesterday that they had painted on the walls of the seawall last year and also had other environmental awareness activities amongst secondary and primary school children.
He said there are future plans to the increase the activities and involvement of the schools. He explained that there will be other mural paintings around the city in the coming weeks. There will also be an introduction of ECHO clubs in schools and activities will be done within the schools to raise awareness and knowledge about keeping the environment clean.
Beverly DeJohn, Deputy Head Teacher of Smith Memorial Primary School, lauded the organisation’s efforts in promoting environmental awareness inside and outside the school. She explained that the pupils are putting extra efforts into participating in activities which are assisting them in developing personal skills and helping them use their creativity. “This is the longest period I’ve seen them focused and I teach them in school every day. It’s a lovely programme and it has my full support. When you look at some of these murals you’re surprised at the messages they are writing and the things they are aware of,” she said.
“I always accompany my children and bring them along to the activities because it’s amazing to see what they draw and the things they say. It also helps their creativity skills and teaches them lessons. I think if everyone stood and listened to children we would all learn a lot. They care about the environment a lot and you can see by the messages they paint and how they carry themselves, especially those who are directly involved in the club. My son is a part of it and he brings home the keep-the environment-clean attitude and it’s amazing to look at. I think this is what we need if we want to bring the garden city back and keep Guyana clean. We need to start it from a young age so when they grow up they know the true value of keeping the place clean.”
While most of the materials used were donated and funded by the organisation, King said that the government assisted and the National Parks Commission gave the permission to paint the wall.
