Group Project: Classroom Banners

This is a brand-new group project idea that is currently being tested by a volunteer group. Testing will be complete in January 2020, and then we will have a more detailed project description for you.

Group Project Title: Classroom Banners

Work Location
This group project can be done anywhere in the United States!

Purpose of the Project
Create an inspiring and/or support banner to hang in one of our Mali classrooms. The goal is to provide something bright, hopeful, and cheery for the students in the class.

The Basics
Groups will create a 5 foot x 3 foot (approximately, slightly smaller is fine — but no larger) fabric banner that can be hung via grommets. We suggest using fabric markers or fabric paint to decorate your banners. Detailed specifications for this project will be available in January 2020, but here are the basics:

• Choose light but sturdy fabric. The banners must be rolled up or folded in a suitcase so cannot be overly large or heavy. On the other hand, we want your banner to last for several years so a strong fabric is good.

• Share something inspiring or supportive as a message — quotes about the power of education are a great idea! Alternatively, consider simple messages such as “You are smart. You can do this. You will succeed.” Our students work in French in school, but they also study English — you can use either.

• Consider adding decoration — you could add pictures or patterns or whatever looks good.

• Do NOT include: references to religion or politics, glitter (seriously!), or specific identifying information about yourself. (It is fine to say “Armada Middle School 6th Grade Class” but avoid “Merritt Frey, Armada, Michigan”.)

• We ask that you add plastic or metal grommets to the top (4 please) to allow us to hang the banner. If you contact us, we can walk you through that.

• Banners will be mailed to Mali Rising’s US office and carried over on our next trip to Mali — we’ll send you a photo of your banner in its pride of place at a school!

Ideal For…
U.S.-based classroom projects, scouts or other youth groups, family groups, etc.

Commitment Expected
This is a one-time commitment of 1 to 4 hours…depending on how crazy you get.

Training
After our trial run on the banners, we will have more specific instructions and photos of examples for you. Our Executive Director will be available for questions and assistance at any time to answer questions.

Last updated
12/9/2019

Interested?
Contact Merritt Frey, Executive Director via email or 801-810-4525.