Cambodian and ASEAN Youth work together on an art project at a kindergarten in Steung Meanchey with professional mural artist Sean Duffell.

Steung Meanchey, Phnom Penh, 15 August 2023: A stunning giant wall mural designed and painted by youth has transformed a kindergarten school in one of the most impoverished communities in Phnom Penh.

10 Students from NGO Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and 10 youth from ASEAN countries collaborated with Sean Duffell, a professional mural artist from New Zealand, for the art project in Steung Meanchey.

Their effort has seen a drab, grey wall transformed into an amazing stretch of eye-catching vibrant colors and designs, creating a bright, beautiful backdrop for the 57 CCF kindergarten students at playtime.

The project was funded as part of the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN Programme (EYAA) - launched in conjunction with ASEAN Day on 8 August 2018. EYAA is a programme by Maybank Foundation in partnership with the ASEAN Foundation dedicated to empowering youth and communities across the region.

The project took place at CCF’s second kindergarten, which serves vulnerable children living with families on the south side of the former Steung Meanchey garbage dump. The garbage dump was the biggest dumpsite in Southeast Asia and one of the most toxic and dangerous environments in the world.

While the dumpsite closed in 2009, the area strewn with rubbish remains a perilous place for children at risk of malnutrition, neglect, and injury.

The art project aimed to engage youth and encourage participation to improve their own communities while connecting with other cultures.

A 60-meter wall at the CCF kindergarten, which opened in late 2022, needed painting to create a more child-friendly environment for young students and enhance the overall appearance of the area.

10 CCF students of high school and university age were selected to take part. They were joined by youths from the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme (AYVP) representing the 10 ASEAN countries who traveled to Cambodia.

Leading the project was Sean Duffell, a New Zealand graphic designer and professional artist who specializes in murals. Sean has previously worked with CCF for a mural on a wall at its Phum Russei Edible community garden created on a neglected piece of land in the Steung Meanchey area.

Sean held a design workshop with the 20 youths to brainstorm ideas and themes for the kindergarten mural. The kindergarten students also gave their fun, creative input, some of which was included in the design.

The final concept featured the 10 ASEAN countries, incorporating their flags, native animals and fruits, and national landmarks and icons, painted in cartoon style.

Handprints were added from kindergarten students and all the youth who took part.

Aerosol spray paints, rollers, and paintbrushes were used to create the mural.

It took seven days to paint the wall collaboratively.

"The Community Mural Project is a great project. It provides an opportunity for ASEAN youths and CCF youths to learn and work together to improve the livelihood of the Steung Meanchey slum. I’m glad to see more and more youths contributing to community development,” said Sokuncharya Kak, CCF’s Grants Program Manager.

The mural will be enjoyed by kindergarten students for years to come and provide a lasting legacy of the regeneration of the Steung Meanchey area.

“I’m really happy with how the mural looks. The colors are amazing, and I love all the different elements. I’ve enjoyed learning about different cultures and meeting so many new people. Art is a powerful medium to bring people together no matter where they are from or what they believe,” said Sean Duffell.

“It’s a big project to take on in such a quick time with so many people, but we worked well as a team. I hope the kids and people living in the area enjoy it.”

Being part of the project has instilled a sense of pride in their area for the CCF students who helped create it and the 200 Steung Meanchey community members who live there.

As well as receiving art education from a professional artist, CCF students who do not have the chance to travel overseas were able to connect with youth from different countries.

“It’s been special to meet them and learn more about other ASEAN countries,” said CCF student Sreynith, 19, in Grade 11.

“The best part has been meeting others. All our ideas have come together, and everyone has contributed something.”

One ASEAN youth volunteer Yen, 22, from Hanoi, said: “This program and the people here, and the children I have met, really motivate me to do more, contribute more, and give back more to society. Now I have the motivation to engage and empower kids.”

Another benefit is for Cambodian youth to develop vital life skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management and put these into practice on a real-time project.

“What we want our students to learn is how to communicate and work together with different people; it’s crucial for them to go further in life,” said Yeang Sethsamprathna, CCF’s Youth Development Program Manager.

The Maybank Foundation’s mission is to positively impact communities by enhancing the quality of life for all through investing in sustainable programmes regionally for long-term tangible benefits.

Rath Sophoan, Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of Maybank Cambodia said that “Maybank Cambodia is incredibly proud to be part of the EYAA program for the third year. It is a testament to our commitment to sustainability through community empowerment, and this program is a shining example of how young people can come together to create positive change through community-building projects.”

"The mural art project at CCF is a vibrant and colorful representation of ASEAN, and it is a standing proof of the creativity and dedication of the young people involved. This not only provides young people with the opportunity to learn new skills and unleash their creativity, but they also help to build a sense of civic pride and belonging, which are essential for creating a sustainable and equitable future. We look forward to seeing more young people get involved in community-building in the future”, added Sophoan.

The mural art project, from concept to completion, was captured for posterity by a team from CCF with video and photography to create a permanent record for future generations.

For more information, contact: Sokuncharya Kak (Aya), Grants Program Manager, CCF sokuncharya.kak@cambodianchildrensfund.org

Mobile: +855 (0) 81 666 322

CCF: Cambodian Children’s Fund transforms the country's most impoverished kids into tomorrow's leaders by delivering education, family support, and community development programs into the heart of Cambodia’s most impoverished communities.

CCF believes that with the right education and support, one child has the potential to lift an entire family out of poverty and that a generation of educated children has the power to change a whole society.

www.cambodianchildrensfund.org