The art project is part of the community’s solution to prevent underage drinking.
“This activity is funded by the State Incentive Grant,” Cesca Morei Misech, Representative of Ikelau Youth Hamle, said in an interview. Each hamlet, she said, has different activities for the fight against underage drinking.
Some promote sports, others do cultural activities. “We do art,” Misech said. “We try to inform the kids and catch their attention about the hazards of underage drinking through colorful art.”
The graffiti — which is painted on the façade of Sandra Pierantozzi’s building in Ikelau — depicts the Palauan famous legend of Meduu Ribtal or the bread fruit story. In bold letters, the words “There’s no better life than a sober life” aim to remind the youths to stay out of alcohol.
Misech said they asked Scott Weers Erungel’s assistance with the art. Erungel is one of the residents of Ikelau. “More programs like this would be good for the community,” Erungel said.
He added that he asked the kids to think of an acronym for Ikelau, and they came up with “Ikelau Kids Encourage Lifestyle Against Underage Drinking.”
“We encourage kids to do something worthy during their free time instead of engaging in alcohol drinking,” Misech added. She said those who are more interested were the younger ones.
The graffiti took sometime to finish. Misech said they started in July, but because of the unpredictable weather they were only able to finish it on Saturday.
The youths’ next project will be one of the facades at Franco’s Store.
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