100 Murals!

Under this project, 100 murals about violence-free schools are being painted on prominent walls all over Uganda beginning in four districts across Eastern Uganda: Mbale, Totoro, Butaleja and Busia. The murals carry positive messages with practical suggestions and role-modeling of positive behaviour. Six components of a violence free school are highlighted on the murals:

• A Safe and conducive environment

• Students have a voice

• Non-violent forms of discipline

• Teachers are friendly and approachable

• Students are encouraged to think for themselves

• Written policies that are implemented

The murals are part of a larger “Awareness in Education Project” that Raising Voices is undertaking in partnership with UWESO to enhance the delivery of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda. The awareness-creating component intends to use the media to create public dialogue on issues around education in Uganda, with special emphasis on the four districts. The purpose of this project is to raise awareness and create a community-based demand for quality education. This will entail critical analysis of the education system at national and community levels, especially in regards to the scope of violence against children and its detrimental effects on children, families, communities and schools. The activities in this project include: radio programmes, newspaper adverts and articles, posters, radio and television adverts, murals, and dissemination of the Good-Schools toolkit.