Engaging around 26 young ladies at Passion to Share foundation, a skill Centre in Kibera (which offers fashion design and computer graphics) is among our best moments.
This served as a medium of broadening their minds on Do It Yourself (DIY) crafts to utilize simple items around them including ankara fabric scraps to create artistic pieces while the graphics team visualized on creating messages on handmade cards.
According to a study on the Arts and Achievement in At Risk Youth, 2012, marginalized teenagers and young adults involved in arts activities have better academic results, higher career goals, and better work opportunities. More so, participation in arts leads to positive outcomes for young people, both in cognitive development and mental wellness.
Brillian Nekesa, an upcoming fashion designer from Kibera shares how one session challenged her to combine DIY arts and fashion, thus improving her creativity daily.
“Teaching a human being to understand, to love and to make art is a super power one can learn from Nkwaniliza. The most beautiful and interesting part about Nkwaniliza is the part where they teach little children how to do DIYs.” Brillian expressed.
“Nkwaniliza is nurturing an upcoming generation with creative skills ,problem solving skills and smartness and that is a plus to the society and community. Thank you Nkwaniliza for making this world a better place and for your kindness.” Brillian added. The young ladies were always full of energy and interest to learn. We delight in communities like this in Kibera where each mind engaged is enlightened on how to fish by themselves, all are equipped with information on how to use and access basic art supplies for simple craft projects to ensure knowledge sustainability.
On the other hand, Sharon Odongo, a young lady who grew up in Kibera slum, narrates to us how living there has been quite a challenge but it is through opportunities that things change; and through art she sees the world from a different perspective with inward creativity portrayed physically.
“Interacting with Nkwaniiza for the first time was interesting, it was like a dream come true. I used to make cards using papers but after the experience we had with Jackie I could finally do something for myself.” Sharon expressed.
Nkwaniliza Crafts Africa strives in promoting participation in community arts in different set-ups including both urban and rural while engaging diverse age groups including 3 to 17 years, 20 to 35 years.