Let’s Colour Walls of Connection in Holstebro, Denmark

AkzoNobel and MasterPeace Denmark along with other partner organizations, working closely with children and marginalized groups, turned this Let’s Colour Walls of Connection into a project promoting social inclusion and integration, of refugees in particular.

Location

The wall is part of the Brumleby playground – a children’s center in Holstebro Trekanten. They host and organize activities for various generations of the refugee children. The center’s efforts to contribute to the wellbeing of the marginalized refugee children are crucial for the area, which is also known as a “Clean city ghetto”.

This area hosts diverse ethnic and cultural groups, helping them to feel comfortable in their new home, mainly for underprivileged and marginalized children that often face more challenges to integrate. Let’s Colour saw an opportunity to realize another of its volunteer programs here, so we came to help by bringing new and fresh colors to the area.

“Space” Wall

All of the volunteer organizations involved work directly with the refugee children on a daily basis, in order to promote social responsibility and they play an active role in increasing cultural awareness, inclusion and tolerance through cultural actions in the local community. The interior wall is 60 square meters (30 meters in length and 2 meters in height).

The artist Freja Hansen, who is also an art teacher, wanted to convey the message that we are all children of the universe. She transformed their playground into outer space, with no borders nor constraints. The mural symbolizes the safe space for the children – space for everyone to tell their story. Let’s Colour volunteers were there to follow her idea, but also contributed with their own.

Community involvement

There were around 60 people from different organizations participating in the event including the children. The community of Brumleby, their employees and students, took part in painting the wall. The center played an active role in the process so as to welcome and integrate young refugees, as well as participate in volunteer work in the local community.

Apart from coloring, the children were involved in various games and activities such as stilts, mini football, “Tug of War” and frisbee. The older kids could enjoy the refreshments and hang out with the teachers-to-be. The teachers and students got to know each other better and showed their creativity, talent and ideas.

Botilbuddet på DNS is a center offering educational and social support for people with special needs, those who, due to a complex of social, mental, physical and personal problems, are at risk of being marginalized and excluded. All of the participants are professionals who have dedicated their work and passion to help vulnerable children and communities. 30 DNS teachers dedicated their time and efforts to Let’s Colour Walls of Connection.

Our goal

Through Let’s Colour Walls of Connection, AkzoNobel and MasterPeace are raising awareness among the community, of the circumstances and the struggles of the refugee children. The project has attracted a number of local residents who have become more familiar with the refugee community and what they can do in order to contribute to their integration and wellbeing.

The mural is a constant reminder that vulnerable communities should not be neglected and put at the periphery but embraced and welcomed. The playground has turned into a safe space for all children to play, practice their favorite sports and spend time together – to enjoy their childhood!

Check out other actions and community volunteer works we have done around the world.

Find out more about Nordsjö in Denmark.