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Berger Paints Jamaica has partnered with the Maxfield Park Children’s Home to support “Our Children, Our Treasure,” a vibrant mural initiative designed to inspire children, beautify the environment and encourage greater community investment in Jamaica’s youth.

The transformative community project was conceptualised by Project Manager Melissa Oliver as part of her final-year graded assignment, with the goal of creating a lasting impact beyond the duration of the project itself. Berger Paints Jamaica contributed paint and materials that helped bring the artistic vision to life, transforming the entrance of the children’s home into a colourful and uplifting artistic space.

“The mural was inspired by the resilience and often overlooked value of the children,” said Oliver. “We wanted to create a lasting visual reminder that every child is important, capable and deserving of love, joy and opportunity. It also encourages the wider community to see children as treasures and regard them as such.”

Trade Marketing Manager at Berger Paints Jamaica, Asheaka James, said the company was proud to support an initiative that positively impacts children and strengthens communities through art and creativity.

“At Berger Paints Jamaica, we believe colour has the power to transform spaces and create positive experiences,” said James. “Supporting the ‘Our Children, Our Treasure’ mural project aligns with our commitment to community development and creating environments where children can feel inspired, valued and hopeful about their future.”

The project features several murals, each carrying its own unique meaning centred around growth, resilience, joy and inclusion.

Two of the murals were designed by Oliver herself. One mural, featuring a tree positioned on the far left wall, symbolises growth and inclusion. The concept was shaped in part by insights from the Assistant Manager of the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, who shared the history of a former school for children with special needs that once operated on the property. The mural was executed by lead muralist Sheldon Blake, assisted by students Damion White and Celine Maxwell from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

Another mural, located on the far right wall and created by lead artist Sekani Daniel, celebrates joy and community among children. The centre mural, designed and executed by muralist Roshane Taylor, reflects themes of strength and resilience through his distinctive artistic style. A fourth mural, a seascape completed by White and Maxwell, provided the young artists with valuable professional exposure and hands-on experience.

According to Oliver, creative initiatives like “Our Children, Our Treasure” play an important role in the emotional and social development of children in institutional care.

“Creative projects provide opportunities for emotional expression, confidence-building and a sense of ownership,” she explained. “Engaging the children in the process creates moments of joy, encourages imagination and helps them feel seen and included.”

Oliver described Berger Paints Jamaica’s involvement as instrumental to the project’s overall impact.

“Berger’s support has been extremely meaningful because it helped transform the physical environment into a more vibrant, uplifting and inspiring space, not only for the children, but also for the staff and everyone who enters the environment,” she said.

Looking ahead, the organisers hope the success of the mural project will inspire broader partnerships focused on children’s development and wellbeing.

“We hope this project encourages more organisations, artists and community members to invest in creative and developmental initiatives for children,” Oliver said. “‘Our Children Our Treasure 2026’ will serve as a model that we replicate in the years to come to promote culture, wellness, education and inclusion in children’s homes and other places of institutional care.”

For Oliver, the ultimate success of the project lies in how the children feel each day as they walk past the murals.

“I hope the children feel happy, inspired, valued and proud of who they are,” she said. “More importantly, I hope the murals remind them that they are seen, loved and capable of achieving great things.”

Adding to the mural unveiling, the children were treated to a full day of activities, including a storytelling session with Dr Amina Meeks, drumming and folk dance, and a painting session where the younger children enjoyed face painting and a guided sip-and-paint experience for the older children.