Murals give students opportunity to make impact on community

SENIOR cycle students from Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole brought a dash of colour to a women’s refuge and a local primary school when they recently completed some vibrant murals.

TY, LCA1 and fifth year students from the school undertook the project at Saoirse Domestic Violence Services’ women’s refuge and Scoil Chrónáin.

The budding artists were supported by their teachers Lauren O’Brien, Evan Dowling and Des Purcell to develop the murals from an idea into a reality.

Evan Dowling, a student teacher at HFCS, told The Echo: “The idea was put forward to make the outdoor area more exciting and welcoming for all who use the space in both venues.

“The students created and designed a fairy forest populated with mushroom houses, fairy doors, treehouses, ponds and even the odd movie character – all rich with bright and exciting colours that the children can enjoy.

Students from Holy Family Community School working on one of the murals

“This mural gave students the opportunity to showcase all they learnt throughout the year within the art room and bring it out into the public.”

The project has also provided the young people with an opportunity to make a lasting impact in their community, and it offers them a sense of pride when they see the difference their murals have made.

“The presence of these vibrant murals hopes to be a source of inspiration and enrichment for the children who visit Saoirse Domestic Violence women’s refuge and Scoil Chrónáin,” added Mr Dowling.

“The visual and imaginative landscapes ignite the imaginations of these young people and nourish their love for art and creativity that can have a lasting impact on their education and personal development.”

The project also capped off an exciting year for the TY students in particular who visited the Dáil, completed work experience placements, went on bonding trips, and volunteered.

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