Our companions
Creating prospects for children and young people with art and creativity
About
The artists' collective from Nairobi Kenya is creating an important place for the community of the Lunga Lunga slum with its makerspace. There, children and young people learn to overcome the challenges of their everyday lives with the help of art and crafts. A project that empowers local people and creates positive things for the Lunga Lunga community.
Wajukuu - more opportunities through education
The Wajukuu project was founded in 2004 by a group of artists in the Lunga Lunga slum. It was initiated with the aim of turning the slum into a place where children and young people can develop freely and have better opportunities for participation and jobs.
Wajukuu aims to break the cycle of poverty and crime to which many residents are exposed through education and empowerment. In this work, art forms the backbone of Wajukuu and is also reflected in all projects. The projects focus on the intersection of art, education and community empowerment in constant exchange with the residents of the Lunga Lunga slum. Initiatives such as art classes, a public library, film screenings and murals address issues such as conflict resolution, crime prevention, equality and health. The collective's Maker Space provides access to tools and equipment for woodworking, photography and computer workstations, as well as courses to learn how to use these tools. The aim is to use art and education to enable residents to take an active role in shaping their environment and their lives and to empower them to defend themselves against poverty, violence and social injustice.
Project
Wajukuu offers various courses for young people to further their education. The courses teach craft skills, design skills, technical know-how and concrete application possibilities. A total of 3 modules are offered, each focusing on a craft topic: Woodworking, Photography and Web Design. This enables young people to make the most of the workshop, earn money with what they have learned and become multipliers in their community.