Community leaders invited groups of refugee artists to carry out the task of painting the walls across the settlement as a reminder to wear masks properly

In Nakivale settlement, Uganda, the Congolese leader Seraphin Kighoma Paluku launched the production and free distribution of protective face masks among his community. He realized though that his people were either not wearing the masks or doing it wrongly. “I’ve seen people wearing the masks on their chins, or simply keeping them in their pockets and handbags”, the leader explained.

“I could simply say ‘I’ve done my part’, but this attitude would not protect my people. We fled the war, we lost so many loved ones and reached here looking for security. We managed it. And we must live. We must keep ourselves alive no matter what. Then, I concluded that I would have to do more than distributing face masks”, added Seraphin.

The leader found a solution using a simple and very creative idea: urban art. He invited a group of young refugee artists to carry out the task of painting the walls across the settlement.

“It’s a constant reminder that they should wear masks properly and in a way that speaks to the youth”, Seraphin says.

“Although there is still a long way for people to learn this ‘new normal’ where they have to cover their nose and mouth with a piece of clothing, the community reacted positively to the paintings”, assesses Seraphin, who is confident that more people will be sensitized through his urban art walls.