Uweza Art Gallery in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya has set up an exhibition of visual art centre in Kibera.
The centre is set to benefit gifted children from Kibera slums who have no money to pay for art classes in town or any other place.
Situated at Kamukunji area, the centre currently has a total of 55 students aged between five years to 20.
Ms Faith Atieno, the children’s teacher, says they are fully benefiting from the centre since their talents are being sharpened. “The children are motivated with price tags which we offer them after every competition which is also sponsored by the manager madam Jane Sapirto from the United States,” said teacher Atieno.
The children also participate in external competitions like those organised by the United Nations in Gigiri.
“We also want to prepare them for their future. Through drawing and painting, one can decide to employ himself, not waiting upon the government to offer them employment. Talent can take you where education can’t,” added teacher Atieno.
The children attend classes on Wednesdays after school and on Saturday afternoon. However, they are grouped into two categories depending on their ages. The first group is of those between five years to 13 years while the other one is from 14-20 years.
Sylvester Oyoo, 12, one of the pupils says the centre has helped him improve on his painting skills.
“I joined Uweza Art Centre in 2013 and participated in one of the competitions which was organised by the United Nations last year and emerged the top. The UN paid my school fees this year for Sh20,000,’’ said the talkative Oyoo.
However teacher Atieno said they face challenges from the sub county government since they are required to pay a lot of money to organise community outreach exhibitions.
She also said the class has since become too small for the number of children has gradually increased compared to 2013 when the centre was built.