JEDDAH: Artists, students, families, and community members in Jeddah created an eye-catching mural on the Corniche in honor of the city’s teachers, featuring the slogan: “We all appreciate you.”
The mural project is a collaborative effort between Jeddah Education, Jeddah Municipality, and the Distinguished Initiatives Association as part of World Teachers’ Day.
The creation, which features an array of colors telling the story of education in Saudi Arabia, is expected to enter into the Guinness World Records as more than 30,000 people from various segments of society participated in the creating the world’s largest mural to dedicated to teachers, organizers said.
The mural is set to have its official unveiling in a ceremony on Oct. 17.
Saudi artist Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, who is supervising the project, told Arab News: “The mural tells the story of education in Saudi Arabia and its history, starting with the books and passing through the beginning of education in the Kingdom, all the way to the modern stage of education and its distinction with science and technical knowledge.
“It’s a love letter to teachers from the whole society. It’s an expression of their thankfulness to their teachers through a vibrant art form,” he added.
On Thursday night at Red Sea Mall, in front of hundreds of teachers and visitors, officials of Jeddah Education and members of the Distinguished Initiatives Association launched the mural project for Teacher’s Day.
Celebrations will also be held in other malls within the next few days and around 1,000 teachers will be recognized for their role in education.
Osama A. Al-Khereiji, general director of the Jeddah Distinguished Teacher Award, told the press that the day represents an opportunity to express thanks and gratitude to teachers for their vital role in preparing a generation that contributes to achieving the nation’s future aspirations.
Fawzi Al-Nahdi, a member of the association’s board of directors, explained that such events embody a true appreciation for the role of male and female teachers in society, noting that the association seeks, through these initiatives, to enhance national and social values and stimulate the spirit of giving and excellence among educational personnel.
Al-Nahdi added that the mural, which aims to honor teachers, reflects the great support from various governmental and private sectors, which reflects the position of teachers in the hearts of society.
