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