At Alamy, community and creativity go hand in hand. Our recent OnHand volunteering project, led by our Senior Principal Manager, Anu Anitha Rajan, exemplifies this belief. The initiative brought together our team in India to redecorate and paint a beautiful mural at a local school, transforming the kindergarten section into a vibrant, educational space for young children.
We sat down with Anu to discuss the inspiration behind the project, its goals, and the rewarding experience of leading such a meaningful endeavor.
Inspiration Behind the OnHand Project
When asked what sparked the idea of painting a mural at a local school, Anu shared, “Alamy has always believed in giving back to the community. The introduction of the Volunteering policy earlier this year across the PA group, combined with our association with OnHands, gave us the extra boost to look out for projects we could get involved in. The OnHands scheme, which adds points that translate into trees being planted, was a double bonus. When we heard about the condition of a local school’s kindergarten section, we were excited about helping out. Hence, we came up with the idea of a mural that the children could find fun, educational, and creative.“
Goals and Objectives of the Project
The main aim of the project was clear. “We wanted to provide the students with a kid-friendly atmosphere, as the walls of the kindergarten section needed a fresh coat of paint,” Anu explained. “We turned it into a vibrant classroom, surrounded by colors and elements that would benefit their learning in a fun way.“
The Rewarding Aspects of the Project
Leading this project was personally rewarding for Anu in multiple ways. “The excitement was twofold. One was the enthusiasm with which the Alamy team got involved in the project, reaffirming for me the power of coming together. The other was being able to show that we all have the power to turn things around for the better, however small the effort may be. It’s about looking beyond the challenges.”
Advice for Undertaking Similar Community Projects
Based on her experience, Anu offers valuable advice for others looking to make a difference in their communities. “Every organization, regardless of workforce size, can commit to at least one project every year. Get as many internal teams involved so that they can see the impact they can make in a community. Think creatively when facing challenges, and you’d be surprised at the possibilities.“
Conclusion
The mural project at the local school is a testament to what can be achieved when a dedicated team comes together with a shared purpose. At Alamy, we’re proud of our commitment to the community and the positive impact we’ve made through this initiative. We hope to inspire others to embark on their own community projects, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and compassion.
Stay tuned for more updates on our community projects and initiatives as we continue to make a difference, one mural at a time.