Wall of Peace Unveiled at St. Jude’s School for Girls: A Beacon of Hope, Healing and Youth Empowerment

Port of Spain, Trinidad, April 29, 2026: A powerful symbol of hope, healing, and transformation was unveiled on Thursday April 23, at St. Jude’s School for Girls. Students joined Republic Bank’s General Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking, Riah Dass-Mungal, along with Chosen Hands Director, Arveon Prout for the official unveiling of the school’s newly completed Wall of Peace mural – an inspiring testament to unity, creativity and community collaboration.

More than just a work of art, the mural stands as a vibrant testament to second chances, resilience, and the boundless potential of young women. The initiative was spearheaded by Chosen Hands Founder, Anika Plowden-Corentin, at the request of the school’s Manager, Deoraj Sookdeo, and brought to life through the generous support of Republic Bank under its Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) programme.

Under the conceptual direction of Plowden-Corentin, the mural was designed and executed by Chosen Hands Youth Mentor, Abigail Carrizales, as part of a deeply collaborative process. Local and migrant students, school staff, Chosen Hands mentors, and Republic Bank volunteers worked side by side to transform a simple wall into a bold and lasting message of unity, peace, and possibility.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dass-Mungal expressed her pride in both the project and the young women who helped bring it to life: “It is a privilege to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Peace Wall here at St. Jude’s School for Girls. I feel honoured to have participated as a PMAD volunteer from the very first day. What we see here today is a testament to what we can achieve together. I hope you feel as proud of yourselves as I feel for you, having created a symbol of hope for all in the St. Jude’s community to enjoy.”

The mural’s impact was immediately evident among the students, with participants expressing a deep sense of pride and emotional uplift. One student shared that the experience lifted her spirits, while another reflected on the positivity and inner inspiration it sparked. A third expressed immense pride in contributing to such a bright and uplifting piece of art, underscoring the emotional and personal significance of the initiative.

Plowden-Corentin, who recently completed a Peace Fellowship in Turkey with Rotary International, emphasised that this initiative marks the beginning of a broader vision: “Our goal is to expand this model into communities across the country. These murals serve as reminders that creative expression can open doors to healing, understanding, and meaningful community transformation.”

The Wall of Peace now stands as a striking centerpiece within the school, and as a powerful, enduring symbol of what can be achieved when community, creativity, and compassion unite to invest in the future of our youth. The unveiling of the Wall of Peace represents far more than a single milestone - it signals the launch of a sustainable, community-driven approach to youth development and social transformation with the potential to inspire lasting impact well beyond the school community.