2nd HWPL Peace Mural Painting in Timor-Leste
The International Peace Organization HWPL and the Youth Group IPYG, in collaboration with Timor-Leste media outlet VIP TV, carried out the ‘2nd HWPL Peace Mural Painting’ In Kakaulidun, located in Dili, Timor-Leste, from February to October. The mural,. Themed ‘Peace Media,” was designed not only to beautify the local community but also to spread the value of peace among residents and promote youth volunteerism, with the goal of transforming Dili into a city of peace.
HWPL and IPYG, together with the Timor-Leste government and local communities, are striving to promote social recovery, unity and development through the spread of a culture of peace. However, during the process of implementing the 2nd Peace Mural Painting, HWPL was misunderstood, with some believing that the activities were financially supported due to HWPL’s status as an international organization.
In reality, the Peace Mural Painting received no financial support and was carried out entirely by volunteers. Following the first Peace Mural, global company Vinod Patel and Berger Paints generously donated the necessary materials, and young art groups such as Arte Moris, Mamura Art, Sene Art Group, along with university students, volunteered to complete the mural. Additionally, Gantry Santos Meilanda, the CEO of VIP RV, personally provided lunch twice for the volunteers. Despite the misunderstanding, HWPL’s sincere passion and continuous efforts for peace enabled Dili to take its second step toward becoming a city of peace.
In the second Peace Mural Project, under the theme of “Peace Media,” the mural depicted how Dili, Timor-Leste is transforming into a city of peace through the voices of HWPL and media outlets. The mural features the logos of 10 media companies, including MDT(Media Mudansa), TLPC(Timor-Leste Press Council), Tatoli, Timor-Post, G-News(G-RTV News), Dili Post, Jornal Independente, STL News(Suara Timor Lorosae), Lafaek News, News-VIP TV, which have signed MOUs with HWPL to spread news of peace globally.
The mural enabled many citizens visually grasp and recognize the importance of peace media, peace activities and the value of peace. Additionally, the youth who participated in the mural realized that through cooperation and volunteerism, they can positively impact the local community, and they were inspired to further engage in future peace activities.
Mr. Gantry, who took the initiative in Peace Mural activities, stated “Without peace, it is very difficult to live together, and without togetherness, it is very challenging for us to carry out activities, including development. The world would be more beautiful if there were peace everywhere. VIP TV is very happy and proud to carry out this activity together with HWPL and young people to promote peace in Timor-Leste.”
HWPL and VIP-TV will continue discussing ways to promote development and establish peace in Timor-Leste, carrying out peace activities such as mural painting, the operation of the WARP office, and peace education to realize lasting peace.
