Ever since we were kids they taught us that our school is our
second home, where we should find peace, where we have to enlighten our minds
and discover new dimensions in life and in our souls, school seems to be such a
magical happy place! Yet, this was not the case at Raml El Zarif School, the
magical place was more of very dull and sad one, it was not a healthy
environment to the kids, it was more of a devastating place, where neither kid
nor adult should attend, on a regular basis.
When I Leaf Art saw the school’s condition, the team decided
that they should leaf it up as soon as they can, they believed in their ability
to transform this sad surrounding into a dreamy magical one. So, the brainstorming
began, they started scheduling weekly meetings, artists, logistics,
illustrators, alongside with the lovely American University of Beirut (AUB)
volunteers, all the team got their efforts all together and focused on one
important thing which was these kids’ surrounding.
After many meetings, they decided
which four illustrations fit mostly, so they set a date for the intervention, brought
the materials needed and drove towards the school.
Once the team arrived, they couldn't hide their shock, the classrooms
were ruined, it was sad. The kids were frustrated. However, they were so
excited seeing the team’s colorful materials and smiles, they couldn't stop
passing by the team, taking a peek on what was happening, noticing the way
their classrooms dramatically being changed. It was heartwarming and definitely
worth the hard work.
After hours and hours of the hard work and the devotion,
the team was finalizing their art work, and just when the last drop of paint
was placed on the last part of the last illustration the bell rang and the
students left their classes in order to go home, seeing by their own way the
magical work that was done, the team saw it in the kids eyes how grateful and
happy they were, how thankful they were.
Their eyes were lightened up in a way
that touched each and every heart in the team, moments like this are what make
the team work harder, it’s what make us as I Leaf Art be more devoted.
Photo Credits : Moussa Habanbo & Ziad Zoubian
Written by Mariam Mosleh
Leafer since Summer 2013
And on Monday, Children discovered their new transformed classrooms!
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