Plus One Talent: Art expression; My country, My future

We had a great event with a total of 35 young people between 12 to 16 years all represented. The majority of the youth came from Mathare North and Mukuru in South B. The event took place at the GoDown on 11th December 2016. Our main theme was My country, My future. We aim at creating a positive dialogue that will promote the values that will foster peacefully coexisting of people.

We had the following activities;

• Games – Games are an important tool to use in fostering interest and interaction amongst the participants. The youth got a chance to introduce new games to the rest of the team. Our main objective was to have fun and bond together in readiness for the day activities.
• Group challenge – We formed five groups of six participants and the challenge was to build the tallest tower using the resources provided. This challenge helps the participant to listen more, work in teams, and work on time management among other soft skills.
• Brainstorming – This process helps get divergent views on a specific topic. Our main topic was what makes Kenya great? And also looking at what we should change as Kenyans? The two sides of a coin tapping into the young people’s mind and activating their voice through painting and discussion.
• Painting – Appreciate art as one of the greatest mediums of expression. Art in school isn’t that strong like it used to be back in the 1990’s we want to bring this important aspect of expression and learning to young people as a way of unlocking their potential through critical thinking, creativity and innovation which might not the primary goal in most of the schools administering the 8-4-4 system.

Last we had a break out session with refreshments before the closing session. In a special way I want to thank Kate Syprine (Co-founder Wilsen Initiative), Janet Nawire, Andrew guest tutor, Edwin our videographer, GoDown Art Centre, Dorwaf restaurant and the Pollination Project for making the day a success. These are questions that we seek to address using the Wilsen Initiative Model (Wi) as expressed through our mission and vision.

Our mission is to develop positive young change-makers in informal settlements in Kenya.

Our vision is to have a society of self-confident young people who inspires positive change using their talents and skills for prosperity.

How might we?

1. How might we connect the stakeholders to address the needs and the gaps in the society
2. How we develop a more sustainable vision of success.
3. How might we internalize in people the motivation to develop  a more  sustainable vision of success.
4. How might we encourage the pro-activity and attitude towards making change
5. How might we make children positive agents of change in Kenya
6. How might overcome the “sheep factor” towards skills develop in achieving personal genuine potentials.
7. How might we define Kenya’s success?
8. How might we have short term gains that will leads into long term solutions?

More photos at http://bit.ly/2gR6ZN3

 

Expected Impact

We work with renowned artist and community youth leaders in facilitating these workshops. The participants get a chance to evoke new ways of thinking through artistic expression, work together and dialogue through meaningful conversations. We envisage a community of positive role models who are responsible to the community whereby engaging in activities that promote great values (Peace, love, unity, hard work, teamwork, empathy etc.) for a better tomorrow.  After art and craft was abolished in the 8-4-4 system the interest of many young people participating in artistic projects has gone below the expected levels because some think it isn't a career option.