Primarily, painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment or colour to a solid surface. The medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush, but other tools, such as knives, sponges and airbrushes can be used.

Why is painting important for pupils? Some of the primary schools that have embraced painting as an extra-curricular activity testify that their pupils have gained a number of skills which include critical-thinking, decision-making and innovative skills.

According to art teachers, painting gives children a chance to identify a suitable colour for a certain picture, and also teaches them colour differentiation and usage. Besides, painting also opens a door for pupils to develop drawing skills.

In his five years of experience teaching children art, Gilbert Hategekimana speaks highly of painting as an innovative activity that open a way for pupils to discover their inner abilities and talents.

"From my experience, pupils enjoy painting because it gives them a platform to express how they feel about the world around them, and through drawings and mixture of colours they pass on the messages on their mind,” he explains

The other benefits of painting as put forward by both teachers and pupils is that it instills in learners the spirit of self-reliance, finding solutions to problems and boosts confidence.

Chris Munezero, who completed primary school, recently, says the painting skills he acquired from school have given him not only a hobby, but also a future career prospect.

"I enjoy painting, and I devote most of my free time to it. This is a skill that I hold so dear because I see myself becoming a professional artist in future. My family is proud of me, and this inspires me to learn more,” says Munezero.

By Dennis Agaba