A Dream Inspired Project

|Reflection: Solayman Maso |Director, SMART Project

A dream project – that is what the SMART project means to me. 

When I was pitching this project, I was nervous thinking that it may not be chosen as one of the ten winning projects for the Mindanao SEA Camp, but the more I talked about my project to the mentors the more I became confident about it and it came to the point that I knew I would implement the project whether or not I get grant.

So I couldn’t explain the rush of happiness that came after it was announced that my project was one the winning projects.

I had only been introduced to mud painting recently, but I knew it was the style and medium I’d like to use as an artist, not only was it inexpensive compared to other mediums it also speaks of the place where I come from, the soils where the crop grows, the muddy streams and the locals in my community who tilt the soil to grow food – the farmers, the fishermen, the plants and the animals, my  culture and my roots. It was something I knew I have to protect.

When I was finally implementing my project, I was overwhelmed by the response from the community, some of the schools we invited were situated in parts of Cotabato made only known to few if not totally known non-existent to all but still they responded to the invitation.

Knowing that my undergraduate studies was Electrical Engineering, I never imagined that I could do a project that marries my advocacy and my passion. The use of my mud painting ART in advocating for the protection of my community and the marine ecosystems that supports our source of food gave me the opportunity to find in what I do the full expression of myself.

I knew Anna Oposa, SEA Camp Director, meant it when she said that the work of conservation is not an easy work. And I found out that she was right, as I was implementing my project, there were many challenges that made me want to give up many times but I did not (and I’m thankful I did not) because in the process, I learned that no matter how hard the work of conservation is and no matter how many challenges come your way, that the love for what you do and protecting what you love will always prevail.

We have successfully implemented the seminar workshop on marine conservation and mud painting and the paintings will go on a public exhibit next month, but the fight continues. The SMART Project, another of its kind will be implemented next month and introduce to a larger audience in consonance with the celebration of the Science Month. Mud Painting will also replace the poster making contest in high school and elementary levels in the next Science Fair and Quest Division Level at Cotabato City.

We have also received invitations from other school to conduct a mud painting workshop and advocate for the environment.

The fight I used to think I had to fight alone turns out to be a battle everyone would like to fight with us. #SavePhilippineSeas #SaveKusiongReef #SaveKalangananMangroveForest #SaveSaltWaterCrocodiles

Lastly, I am greatly indebted to my fellow SEA Campers Abdul Nasif Mohammad, Abqary Alon, and Manal Sugadol without whom the SMART Project will not be possible, my volunteers Mohammad Jamil Brillantes, Alhakim Palanggalan and countless more individuals who helped, and inspired the realization of the SMART Project. Thank you. The SMART Project will not be possible without your help.

Final SEA Camp Hashtag #LifeChanging