Lamu, Kenya
Summary
Ubunifu Lamu Initiative is a new program created as a response to the Covid-19 situation in Mararani Village on Lamu Island in Kenya. African Corner founder, Nyambura Wahu, launched this Community Based Organization in 2020 to ensure vulnerable children had a place to go throughout the day, creative activities to replace the lack of school, and nutritious food to eat.
Social Justice Education
Ubunifu Lamu’s mission is to integrate cultural and creative programming into the everyday lives of vulnerable children in Mararani Village, located on Lamu Island. This is a working class village made up of families and children who have little to no access to enrichment activities. Parents are day laborers spending most of their time in search of work to simply put food on the table. Ubunifu Lamu provides a safe space for the children to come to each day to create art, practice yoga, learn new dances, and celebrate their culture. Ubunifu Lamu also takes the kids to the beach, assists in swimming lessons, and works on community cleanup. They began their work in March 2020 as the country went into lockdown and have since expanded to over 40 children throughout Mararani and Shela Villages.
Past Accomplishments
June 6, 2020: Quarantine Lockdown Art Show - A response to the COVID 19 Lockdown in Kenya at Ubunifu Lamu’s art studio.
August 13, 2020: Mekatilili Wa Menza Kid’s Art Exhibition and Cultural Show - An important historical figure in Giriama, and Kenya in general, history that the children used to learn and express their identity as most of the children hail from Giriama roots.
October 3, 2020: Art with Recycled Materials Workshop and Exhibition - This event followed a community cleanup day in Mararani on World Clean Up Day. It also resulted in a beautiful mural.
December 11, 2020: Takwa Ruins Field Trip and Exhibition - An opportunity for the children to learn the historical roots of Shela Village. They used recycled materials to make the art and partnered with The Lamu Fort and Shela Drummers.
The Year of 2021 - Provided arts and enrichment activities throughout the year focusing on Wednesday after school program, Saturday art program, and holiday art workshops.
The Year of 2022 - Fundraising all year to gain enough funds to construct and open a bran new community arts center in Mararani Village!
January 2023 - Fashion Show to raise final amount needed for tables and benches for the new art center.
February 2023 - Secured funding for an assistant art teacher for the entire year so the art center could officially open and begin activities.
Current Project Needs
Donations to help cover the expenses of school fees, uniforms, shoes, and backpacks for the kids in the program are much needed and appreciated.