Paintbrushes up = Masterpiece on the walls!

A Million Voices’ scholars, staff and volunteers gathered on October 29 for a colorful and fun-filled Saturday at the AMV office for the repainting of its many walls.

On this Saturday morning, AMV scholars, many wearing blue shirts with the words “Importante AKO” (translation: I am important), arrived at our office not really knowing what to expect. The orientation until then had basically been: “you will paint our office”.

The painting session was in total attended by 22 scholars from grades 6 to 10, divided in 3 batches. From morning until afternoon, an additional 14 volunteers of Philippine, Brazilian and French nationalities also left their colorful contribution on the walls of AMV (as well through donations to the activity and preparations of meals for the kids).

Led by the renowned Spanish Painter Cesar Caballero, the activity aimed to creating a ludic and educational environment for the scholars. “We want them to find in this room a place where they can forget their own difficulties and focus on their studies and dreams for the future”, said Larissa Tsuboi, Executive Director of AMV Philippines.

Caballero was invited to guide the activity due to his extensive experience and knowledge on drawing, design, mural-making and art restoration. He often conducts mural paintings with street children in other parts of Manila and slum areas. He was also responsible for projects for the Ayala Museum and the Embassy of Spain, aside from having exhibitions being displayed in Paris, Sevilla, Barcelona and Madrid.

The activity was well received by both scholars and volunteers, and as AMV volunteer Kat Ledesma shared: “What I liked the most with this activity was that the scholars were really involved in the process of designing the walls. There was this sense of ownership, that they belong here”.

We are grateful for everyone who participated in this event – and our office truly looks spectacular!