DILI, Timor-Leste (HornPost) – Local businesses, arts organizations and university students have joined forces with the international peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) to create a mural promoting peace education in Timor-Leste.
The initiative, known as the Third Peace Mural Project, took place at Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ) in Dili. It brought together local volunteers, artists and business representatives to transform a university space into a public expression of peace, unity and mutual respect.
The project forms part of HWPL’s broader “Peace City Dili” initiative, which seeks to promote peace through public spaces and community participation.
Peace Education Through Art
The latest mural project builds on two previous initiatives launched by HWPL in Timor-Leste.
The organization held its first Peace Mural Project at the Xanana Sports Center in 2023. It followed this with a second mural in Kakaulidun in 2024.
The third edition placed greater emphasis on peace education. Artists incorporated elements from the cover designs and educational content of HWPL’s peace education textbooks into the mural.
Through visual storytelling, the project aims to make peace education more accessible, particularly to young people and university students.
The initiative also seeks to encourage residents to engage with messages of peace in their everyday surroundings.
Local Businesses and Arts Groups Support the Initiative
Four local organizations contributed to the project through financial and material support, as well as artistic expertise.
The participating organizations were Vinod Patel, Jack’s of Timor-Leste, Arte Moris and Sene Art Group.
Vinod Patel donated paint for the mural, while Jack’s of Timor-Leste provided caps for participating students and volunteers.
Meanwhile, Arte Moris and Sene Art Group contributed their artistic skills to the mural’s creation. Sene Art Group also supplied paintbrushes for the project.
Both arts organizations helped translate the principles of peace education into visual messages through their creative work.
Arte Moris had previously told local media that promoting peace through art was consistent with its core mission.
Businesses Highlight Community Responsibility
Representatives of the participating companies said their support reflected a commitment to community development and positive social values.
A representative of Vinod Patel explained that the company decided to support the initiative after reviewing its objectives and learning about HWPL’s previous activities.
The representative also highlighted the transformation of the university space.
“Previously, the walls were covered with unwanted writing, but now they have been transformed with beautiful colors and paintings, creating an entirely different atmosphere,” the representative said.
Jack’s of Timor-Leste also emphasized the importance of supporting young people through community initiatives.
A company representative said the business viewed itself as part of the local community rather than simply a retail operation.
The representative said the project offered young people an opportunity to express creativity while promoting peace, unity and respect.
The company also expressed hope that the mural would encourage more residents to participate in similar community activities.
HWPL Promotes the Peace City Dili Initiative
An HWPL representative credited cooperation between local businesses, arts organizations and young volunteers for making the project possible.
The organization said it hopes to continue working with communities in Timor-Leste to translate the values of peace into practical activities.
The “Peace City Dili” initiative seeks to establish spaces across the capital that communicate messages of peace and encourage residents to reflect on their role in building a peaceful society.
By combining education, art and community participation, the project aims to make peace a visible part of everyday life.
The third Peace Mural Project demonstrates how local businesses, creative organizations and educational institutions can work together around a shared community initiative.
HWPL said it hopes the collaboration will inspire further participation from residents and organizations across Timor-Leste.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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