Lamu, Kenya
Summary
Ubunifu Lamu Initiative is a 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, hosts annual fashion shows, installs murals throughout the local villages, and works on community cleanup. They began their work in March 2020 as the country went into lockdown and have since expanded to over 80 children throughout Mararani and Shela Villages.
Past Accomplishments
The Year of 2020: Launch of Ubunifu Lamu Initiative with special art shows, cultural exhibitions, and community cleanup activities.
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!
The Year of 2023 - Funded annual Fashion Show to raise final amount needed for tables and benches for the new art center. Secured funding for an assistant art teacher for the entire year so the art center could officially open and begin activities.
The Year of 2024 - Funded annual Fashion Show, installed computers and tablets at the center, started boys and girls soccer clubs, and sponsored weekly yoga classes.
The Year of 2025 - Funded multiple mural installations throughout Shela and Mararani Villages. Continued funding art teacher and yoga instructor. Funded school fees for those going into university and secondary school.
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.