University colleagues and volunteers from UEL with residents from Janson & Gurney Independent living scheme in Stratford gathered last week to unveil a new vibrant mural. The beautiful piece replaces a plain and eroded wall in the communal garden at the Janson and Gurney Road scheme.
The unveiling marks the end of the project that began back in July which aimed to improve the garden space for residents. The event was also marked with a lovely plaque that recognised all the main contributors to the work which included the UEL volunteer group, AD construction and Southern Housing.
Now reformed, the garden provides a beautiful space for residents to enjoy and the mural adds the final touch to what has been a great project.
Back in the summer the project kicked off as those involved aimed to create a space that connected the community by creating a shared space that reflects the spirit of the residents.
The project was co-created with residents during ideation sessions to ensure their views were heard with a ballot for residents to choose the design they liked.
The mural entitled ‘A Garden With A View’ brought students out of the classroom and into the community, where they were able to make a real difference in residents' lives.
Below: Residents and student volunteers after the unveiling
Nadine Johnson, Getting To Know You Project Lead, said: “Completing this mural project has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s not just about beautifying a space, but about creating something that truly reflects the heart of the community.
“One of the most meaningful aspects has been the intergenerational connection, seeing students and residents come together through creativity, learning from one another and building relationships.
“The pride and joy it brings to residents and their families reminds me why I love what I do. This project represents the power of collaboration, positive partnership with stakeholders, creativity, and the lasting social value we can achieve when we work together.”
UEL’s Shazma Khatun, Volunteering Coordinator, said: “Through this hands-on experience, our student volunteers not only contribute to the enhancement of residential spaces but also develop invaluable skills and insights that will serve them well in their future careers.
“Furthermore, the project is also aligning well with the University’s ethos of civic engagement making it another exceptional example of how the University of East London is giving back to the very community it is situated in.”
Grace Tasinchana Yalama, a UEL student who helped with the design, said: “I got involved in this project because I thought it would be very nice to engage with the residents.
“This is one of the design ideas I worked on with residents, so I really loved and enjoyed making this with all my friends. This is the first time that I get to draw on a wall not like a canvas or paper so, yes, this is like new to me as well.”
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