A fresh coat of paint is a good symbol for change and transition.
In Djibouti, when renting a new place, the landlord will have it freshly painted before you move in. And before you leave, it is expected that you paint the walls again: a fresh coat of white paint. For the ending and the beginning. And thus, as Ecole Emmanuel closed in the city and steps were taken to open in Ali Sabieh, a fresh coat of paint was needed.
Before the keys were handed back to the landlords in the city, the team worked to repaint the walls of the old school. White paint was used to cover the blue half walls. In this country, blue walls are used to show that the building is a school. The white paint covered it like a mourning shroud at the ending of the school in the city after it had been in this location since 1980s. While the ending allows for a new beginning, there is a sadness in the transition, in remembering all that was, all that has come to an end.
In the reality of painting, the white paint didn’t cover up the old blue walls very well. In fact it took 4 coats of paint – two by hired painters and another 2 by team members. Long hours were spent at the school, even after every book and shelf was removed, to clean and paint and ensure everything was to the satisfaction of the landlords. Finally on the afternoon of Wednesday, 6th March, the doors of EELC were locked for a final time and the keys were handed back to the landlord.
A dying which allows for new beginnings.
Not only was the old school building painted, but the new school/library in Ali Sabieh in the far south also received a fresh coat of paint. This time it is symbolic of new birth and cleanliness and possibilities. A blank slate for the librarian to decorate, organize and create a new safe, welcoming space for learning and growing.
The outside of the school was also newly painted but this time with bright and happy colours. The new school is situated on a slight hill above the main road through town. When the sign is hung over the windows all will be able to see the school and know they are welcome to come and learn.
However, there are many steps between a fresh coat of paint and the opening of the school. All the books, shelves, computers, tables, and cabinets have been brought from the city. The shelves have been partially assembled and the cabinets put in place. First contact has been made with some of the neighbours and influential local figures. But as the month of Ramadan begins, everything slows down. In addition, permission to open the library in the new location is still pending.
The school director and the librarian hope to have the building ready for use by mid-April. After Ramadan, the director hopes to start another 6-week module course at the local, private university. Then, once permission is granted, the librarian looks forward to opening the doors to everyone over 18 who wants to learn and practice English.
Kerith Trust 