PPG’s New Paint for a New Start Initiative Transforms School for Children with Autism in Spain

PPG announced the completion of a colorful makeover at the Centro Concertado de Educación Especial El Corro, a school for children and young people with autism in Valladolid, Spain. The project is part of the New Paint for a New Start initiative of its COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® program, and brought together more than 60 PPG employees, teachers and volunteers from the center, who spent two days transforming the interior of the ground floor.

PPG provided $38,500 (€35,000) to support the renovation, including more than 100 gallons (400 liters) of SEIGNEURIE, BONDEX, SELEMIX and DYRUP water-based paints by PPG. PPG experts chose a range of colors specific to the use of particular rooms, including vibrant shades in areas where more energy is needed, such as the activity room, and softer hues in the classrooms and corridors. The volunteers also collaborated with local artist Nano Lazaro to create a mural depicting equity and unity represented by a circle of children.

The Centro El Corro is a pioneering educational center specializing in the care of students with autism spectrum disorder ranging from 3 to 21 years. The center began operating in 1981, with the purpose of promoting the integral development of students through a specific and internationally endorsed teaching methodology.

“Our children face a series of challenges and difficulties at a social and communicative level, to which is added an alteration in sensory processing,” said Concepción Galván, president of the Valladolid Autism Association. “This sensitive and socially aware project creates friendly spaces that our students will identify through color and enhance the essence of the people themselves.”

“We are very proud of the enthusiasm and cooperation in this project and the synergy created with the Valladolid Autism Association,” said Alberto Palomo, PPG plant manager, Valladolid, Automotive OEM Coatings.

In the second year of New Paint for a New Start, PPG employees from around the world volunteer during the months of June, July and August to transform 25 schools. Using PPG coatings and color expertise, all projects aim to create engaging spaces for students to learn and develop.