Child/Early Marriage Awareness Mural

Artist Information

Artist Name: Unknown
Date Installed: Approximate, unknown
Location: Exterior wall, Kawale 1
Materials Used: Paint on brick wall

Description

This mural is painted directly onto the rough brick wall of a building within Dzaleka Refugee Camp. It features a central scene of a man and a young girl holding hands, walking together. The girl wears a white dress and a veil, symbolizing early or child marriage. In the background, there is a small house and two seated figures observing the couple. The painting uses simple colors—primarily orange, blue, white, and yellow—and bold outlines to convey its message clearly.

A Brief History

This mural was created as a public awareness piece addressing the issue of child and early marriage. It encourages community members to report such cases, as noted by the message painted above the scene: “Report any Child / Early Marriage.” The artwork likely serves as both a preventative message and a call to action within the camp.

Cultural Significance

Child and early marriage is a significant social challenge in many communities, including refugee settings like Dzaleka. This mural stands as a visual reminder of the community’s ongoing efforts to protect children’s rights and promote awareness around this issue. It reflects local values and the desire to create a safer environment for young people.

Artist Profile

The artist of this mural remains unknown, but the work demonstrates a clear understanding of community issues and effective visual communication. The simple, bold style ensures the message is accessible to all community members, regardless of literacy levels.

Art Signage

“Report any Child / Early Marriage”

Maintenance Notes

The mural shows signs of weathering but remains visible and impactful. Preservation efforts would help maintain its message over time.

Community Reactions

Residents recognize this mural as an important educational tool and a symbol of community commitment to ending child marriage.

Photographer

Sarah McLean

Location Details

The mural is located on an exterior wall in the Kawale 1 section of Dzaleka Refugee Camp, making it highly visible to community members passing through the area. Its prominent placement ensures maximum exposure to its important message about child protection and community responsibility.

Impact and Legacy

This mural represents more than just artwork—it’s a community intervention tool that uses visual storytelling to address critical social issues. Its presence in a public space serves as a constant reminder of the community’s collective responsibility to protect children and prevent harmful practices.

The artwork demonstrates how public art can serve educational and advocacy purposes, transforming a simple wall into a platform for social change and community awareness.