GAD Project - Mural and Map Expansion

Volunteer Name: Jaelah K.

With the help of funding from GAD I was able to undertake a mural project at my village primary school. The project consisted of the completion of a World Map Mural with the help of a handful of girls and a series of 6 educational paintings, terminated by yours truly, to hang in each of the 6 classrooms.


I took under my wing the ten female students at the top of their class to help me paint in oil the 2.5 x 5 meter world map on an exterior wall of the school. Outside of valuable class time, they were able to get some messy hands-on experience and have fun working alongside the nasara. After the completion of the map I conducted a lesson with them on geography and maps and they in return were the ones to present the map to their classmates, teachers, and the public at large. Taking part in the painting process and watching the map slowly blossom to completion gave them a sense of accomplishment, ownership, and pride in their work. Allowing them uniquely to participate in the project was a way to reward them for their hard work in class and to encourage them to continue their studies. The project spotlighted the aptitude of girls and women and during the opening ceremony we took the opportunity to highlight the importance of girls' education.

I myself painted 6 large wooden panels (1.5m x1.5m) that are hung in and can be rotated around each classroom. I ran with the map theme at the request of the school director for 3 of the classroom paintings: a political/climactic map of Africa, a political map of the United States, and a map of Burkina Faso showing all of the 45 provinces. The 3 remaining paintings concentrated on health messages (as, after all, this is my specified sector): hand washing, latrine use, and nutrition. The paintings were executed with water-based paint and sealed with varnish to help protect them from dirty groping fingers and general wear and tare. The teachers really appreciate these new educational tools and the students are excited to have some color in their classrooms. The world map is visible from the main road and is being enjoyed by the community and all passersby- “C’est jolie ça!”