Bringing Vibrant Life to Schools in Beirut One Brushstroke at a Time

With ECW funding, UNESCO and UN-Habitat rehabilitate schools in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion through the flagship initiative Li Beirut.

By Education Cannot Wait

June 3^rd, 2022

Originally published by UNESCO (Original).

It's a fine day to paint at the Khaled Bin Waleed and St. George Assyrian schools in Beirut!

Children draw their brushes and get ready to add color to a big white wall in the playground. Colors, paint jars, pencils and drawings cover the ground. Children’s voices burst forth with joy. Marie-Joe Ayoub, a young artist, tries to channel the group’s overflowing energy to complete the mural starting to take shape.

"This mural helps children feel that they have a role to play in the beautification of their school after the Port explosion,” explains Marie-Joe Ayoub.

This activity marks the completion of the rehabilitation work carried out by UNESCO and UN-Habitat in the two schools after the Port explosion on 4 August 2020. With the support of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), 40 damaged schools have been rebuilt within the framework of UNESCO’s flagship initiative, Li Beirut.

Children painting a mural in the playground of St. George Assyrian School in Beirut, which was damaged by the port blasts and rehabilitated by UNESCO. Activity conducted by UNESCO and UN-Habitat. Photo Credit: UNESCO / Lebanon

“This allows them to leave their mark in their school and, now, they are a part of it. Today, we need a new active generation to take the initiative," says Marie-Joe Ayoub. "Art is crucial to help children express themselves. It increases their concentration, focus, patience and serenity, especially amid the pandemic. Children want to get together to work and interact with each other.”

Flagship Initiative, Li Beirut Brings Hope

Li Beirut is an international flagship initiative launched from Beirut on 27 August 2020 by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, in the aftermath of the explosions. The initiative supports the rehabilitation of schools, historic heritage buildings, museums, galleries and the creative industry – all of which suffered significant damage in the deadly explosions.

As they prepare to put the final touches on the school rehabilitation initiative, Marie-Joe Ayoub has organized brainstorming sessions with the students to teach them about murals.

“It is important for them to know that there are jobs out there that need artists and illustrators,” says Marie-Joe. “We started with the history of murals, from caves to American graffiti."

"More importantly, we talked about why we draw. Murals often carry a message, and I opted for a message centered on education for health and well-being," she added.

The children, who are all of different ages, interpreted the theme in their own way. They draw sketches that inspire them, and then bring their ideas to life on a large wall that now sports big words like "Peace" and "Freedom”.

On her side of the wall, Sally is adding the final touches to the wings of a large butterfly.

"It symbolizes freedom and it's colorful," she says. “Just like my school! Years from now, I'll be happy to return to my school and see my drawing, my mark, engraved on the wall..."

Artist helps children paint mural at school as part of the Li Beirut initiative. Photo Credit: UNESCO / Lebanon

Footnotes

Original story from Lebanon- UNESCO.

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FootNotes

Original story from Lebanon- UNESCO.