PPG completed a colorful makeover at the Kispesti Erkel Ferenc Primary School in Budapest through its global New Paint for a New Start initiative, part of the company’s COLORFUL COMMUNITIES program. The project brought together more than 35 PPG volunteers, who spent two days redecorating the school’s ground floor with fresh colors and an inspiring mural.

PPG donated more than 170 gallons (648 liters) of HÉRA™ paint by PPG to support the project, including Héra Ceramic, which provides excellent rubbing resistance and washability. The color scheme was based on a palette especially designed for the New Paint for a New Start initiative.

The Kispesti Erkel Ferenc Primary School, which has more than 440 students and educators, was chosen in a popular vote by PPG employees for the project. The volunteers also completed an environmentally themed mural designed to inspire and educate students about sustainability. They were guided by Város, a group of professional muralists from Hungary.

“The collaboration with PPG was fantastic – we could even choose the pattern that would go on the walls of the corridors,” said Katalin Maserné Drexler head teacher, Kispesti Erkel Ferenc Primary School. “One of the main objectives of the project was to create a beautiful and colorful environment for the children where they can feel more comfortable, and we believe that such a surrounding will inspire them to take better care of their environment.”

In the second year of New Paint for a New Start, PPG employees around the world volunteered their time throughout the months of June, July and August to transform more than 25 schools. Using PPG paint products and color expertise, each project aims to create engaging spaces for students to learn and grow.

“This program gives us the opportunity to think big,” said Istvan Miavecz, PPG general manager Central Europe, Architectural Coatings. “We were thrilled that PPG is dedicating more Colorful Communities projects to schools. Our enthusiastic colleagues were not only responsible for selecting the educational institution for the New Paint for a New Start project, but also contributed with their volunteer work so that a building could once again shine in its former glory.”