In 2014 the mural program partnered with the Penn State Altoona Women's Soccer Team in an exchange that would take us international for the first time! The women's soccer program was preparing to travel to Costa Rica and part of their experience includes community service. Athletes visited Juniata Gap Elementary school and shared information about Costa Rica with a focus on the daily lives of students of similar ages. Discussions were shared about their daily struggles and how their lives were different from and the same as ours. In the mural we chose to represent our cultures through a geographical and geological representation. The image on the left depicting Costa Rica life was painted here in the United States and the image on the right depicting like here in Pennsylvania was painted in Costa Rica. The lesson brought forth from the two images is the following:
While we all come from very different walks of life, and in some cases very different physical locations, there is a common thread in all of us in that we truly want what is best! In the discussions we found that no matter the cultural background, socioeconomic status, and physical location, both groups of young people shared very similar dreams and goals. While the pathways to achieving those dreams will vary, the fact is we are all reflections of each other and must work together to overcome hurdles and accomplish our goals!
In the creation of the murals we are able to help simplify some of the more complex life navigations. By including peers in the discussion, many find new ways to relate to each other, reasons to support each other, and mentors to aid in their quest to fulfill their life goals!
While we all come from very different walks of life, and in some cases very different physical locations, there is a common thread in all of us in that we truly want what is best! In the discussions we found that no matter the cultural background, socioeconomic status, and physical location, both groups of young people shared very similar dreams and goals. While the pathways to achieving those dreams will vary, the fact is we are all reflections of each other and must work together to overcome hurdles and accomplish our goals!
In the creation of the murals we are able to help simplify some of the more complex life navigations. By including peers in the discussion, many find new ways to relate to each other, reasons to support each other, and mentors to aid in their quest to fulfill their life goals!
How to support Murals Talk
BY MAIL
Checks can be made payable to Murals Talk – CPCF and mailed to:
Murals Talk Foundation c/o Central PA Community Foundation 1331 11th Avenue Altoona, PA 16601 |
ONLINE
|
Unless otherwise advised, CPCF will notify the Murals Talk Foundation of your donation and the amount.
More information about the CPCF can be found at www.centralpagives.org
More information about the CPCF can be found at www.centralpagives.org
BACK TO TOP
The Murals Talk Foundation is administered by the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation.
For more information about the community foundation, visit www.centralpagives.org.
For more information about the community foundation, visit www.centralpagives.org.