In commemoration of Nanyang Junior College (NYJC)’s 35th anniversary, more than 800 Year One students in NYJC will be heading out to Braddell Heights Constituency to paint and restore 35 wall murals covering about 550 square metres on 15th and 16th March 2013. This makes Braddell Heights Constituency one of the estates with the most murals in Singapore. FairPrice Foundation, the philanthropic arm of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd is donating $9,000 to this event for the purchase of painting equipment. Five years ago, FairPrice had also supported this initiative, where 30 wall murals were painted to commemorate NYJC’s 30th anniversary.
This collaboration by NYJC, Braddell Heights Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) and NTUC FairPrice not only provides an excellent opportunity for NYJC students to contribute back to the community by being involved in estate development, it will also benefit Braddell Heights residents by providing a more beautiful and vibrant living environment. This is one of the collaborations between NYJC and Braddell Heights CCC whereby Grassroots Leaders provide guidance and opportunities for students’ involvement in the community. Other projects include the Community Leadership Programme as well as Food Distribution to less privileged families living in Braddell Heights.
Mr Seah Kian Peng, CEO (Singapore) of NTUC FairPrice and Grassroots Adviser to Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Grassroots Organisations (GROs) said, “FairPrice congratulates NYJC on the celebration of its 35th anniversary and we are pleased to support the school’s community project held in conjunction with the occasion. NYJC’s creative wall mural painting programme not only enable its students to express their creativity and imagination but at the same time provide them with the opportunity to play a part in contributing to the community. At the same time, the pictures on the murals depict the community spirit of living and working together in harmony; a quality that reflects the essence, nature and aspirations of Braddell Heights’ residents. The art pieces, in addition to beautifying the residential estate also create a unique identity of our own which residents can take pride in. Above all, we hope that this initiative will inspire others to join us in making a difference in our community.”
Mr Kwek Hiok Chuang, principal of NYJC said, “Once again, Nanyang Junior College is pleased to be able to partner the Braddell Heights constituency in this mural painting community project. In 2007, we had mobilized our JC1 students to paint 30 murals as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations. This year as we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we will be going out to paint and restore 35 murals in the Braddell Heights estate. The project symbolizes our college-wide approach and commitment in contributing back to our community – the wall murals are designed entirely by our students from the Art Elective Programme and painted onto the walls by our teachers and 800 JC1 students.”
The mural painting project first started in 2007 when 30 wall murals were painted for NYJC’s 30th anniversary celebration. This is the second time since 2007 that NYJC’s Art Elective Programme students were tasked to design murals based on themes associated with National Education.
