September 10, 2015

Color Transforming Schools and Children

 I am excited to learn about Publicolor, a unique non-profit organization in New York focused on changing the educational outcomes and self-esteem of children from poverty-stricken communities who attend schools that have low-academic performance, limited resources, and dingy, depressing environments not conducive to learning.

What makes Publicolor unique is it’s core belief that “by changing the environment in public schools you can change students’ attitudes and reverse the impact of poverty.”

The first step on the student’s journey to success involves creating new color palettes and painting their school with vibrant colors! This is so exciting and aligned with what Professor Lin told us how color provides a natural release of pent up negative emotions for children who live in dire circumstances. It can stimulate their mental, social, spiritual development, and creativity.

Research studies also show that when people care for their own space, they treat it better and inspire others to do the same. This fact was proven in my own neighborhood years ago—before a drought crisis in Southern CA. My parents were the first couple on the block to plant grass in the front yard. Once our grass appeared, mom tells me that grass started appearing in other yards in the neighborhood!

Given the current disturbing headlines about children, this article gives me hope and a continued belief in the power of color to change lives, our homes, and communities.

Stay tuned for an upcoming module focused on color and the built environment. In the meantime, take a look around you, what home or building in your community seems to “cry out” for help? Is color the answer? We’d love to hear your big ideas.

Submitted by Luisa