Under the children's paintbrushes, the gray manhole covers come to life with colorful paintings, such as vivid fishes and blooming kapok flowers.

On July 1st, a manhole-cover painting activity was held in a community in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, with 59 families participating.

Under the guidance of social workers, children and their parents draw on the manhole covers together. In just two hours, the inconspicuous manhole covers have become a beautiful scenery in the community, attracting many residents to stop and take photos.

After the activity, Student Chen said, "It’s my first time painting on a manhole cover, which I found to be very interesting." Also, it's cool to decorate the manhole covers with a new look, and kids can improve their ability to collaborate with others when painting.

Ms. Li and her family have been living in Guangzhou for many years. This is the first time she has accompanied her child to participate in the manhole cover painting activity. She thought, "It is a great parent-child activity." Also, "We feel a sense of accomplishment by painting and communicating with people when contributing to the community. And the kid becomes more familiar with our community."

Resident Chen said, "The children's drawings are very beautiful. I couldn't help to take pictures with my phone. This is the beautiful scenery of our Jiangyi Community."

The person in charge stated that this activity aims to stimulate students' initiative and creativity, promote the spirit of volunteerism in the youth, and encourage teachers and students to get closer to the community and participate in its governance together. Also, it is set to raise students' awareness to protect and love nature and cherish water resources.

广州这些孩子把井盖变风景

活灵活现的鱼、绽放的木棉花……在孩子们的画笔下，灰色的井盖仿佛变得“生机勃勃”。

7月1日，在广州市海珠区开展了一场社区井盖彩绘活动，共有59对亲子家庭参与。

在社工的带领下，孩子们与父母一同在井盖上提笔作画。短短两个小时间，不起眼的井盖变为社区内一道靓丽的风景线，不少居民驻足拍照打卡。

“我是第一次在井盖上画画，活动很有意思。”陈同学表示，为井盖换新装，太酷了，并且在作画中还提高了与他人合作的能力。

“这是一次很棒的亲子活动。”李女士一家人来广州生活多年，这是她第一次陪同孩子参与社区的井盖绘画活动，“在绘画和交流中，孩子更加熟悉我们生活的社区，并且能为社区出力，我们觉得很有成就感。”

居民陈伯表示：“孩子们画得很好看，我都忍不住拿出手机拍照，这是咱们江怡的靓丽风景。”

活动相关负责人表示，此次活动旨在发挥学生的能动性和创造力，弘扬青少年志愿服务精神，推动师生走进社区，共同参与社区治理，希望增强学生们保护环境、爱护自然、珍惜水资源的环保意识。

文 | 羊城晚报全媒体记者 高焓
通讯员 黎越玲 刘玥
图 | 通讯员供图
译 | 白心怡