Name of Project Initiator/Beneficiary: Kevin ‘Stero’ Irungu, John Skafte, Isaac Omari and

Davis Kabala

Name of Project: Slum Art Attack

Scope of Project: Art Gallery and Studio

Location: Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya

Web-site: www.art4peace.org.

The Bold Idea: Launch an art centre where local artists can create, display and sell their creative work

Moment of Inspiration: What experiences led to the desire to start your own/this organization?

Life in the sprawling Kibera slums of Nairobi, the largest slum in sub-Saharan Africa, is a struggle. Poverty is wide-spread and there is a lack of employment for youth. Four ReachUp! participants from Kibera decided to take action to change their reality. Kevin, John, Isaac and Davis have a passion for art and see the possibilities for creating a livelihood not just for themselves, but also for other young people, using the creative arts. They are working to start an art center where young people can create art and showcase their work to prospective buyers.

Think Big: What role has ReachUp! played in helping you to dream big and take on this project?

The center’s founders credit the Reach Up! program with giving them the confidence and the necessary skills to go for their dreams. Neither John or Stero have had any formal training in art, but with the help of ReachUp!, coaching from a DOT Intern and mentoring from a veteran Otieno Gomba, the group crystallized their ideas and are now well on their way to making their dreams a reality.

New and Untested: What’s innovative about your/the project?

The art gallery combines studio and gallery space – a place where local youth can create work that mirrors their lives and evokes great emotions. Locally-made pencil drawings, painting, sculpture are all on display. The group also offers other art-based services to supplement their income. “We do sign writing and we print made-to-order t-shirts. All this gives us a small income that helps towards achieving our higher goals,” explains Stero.

John, Stero, Isaac and Davis also dabble in the performing arts and are confident of their rapping skills. They have plans to make their own movies. The group is currently editing a video about life in Kibera. “We plan to give Hollywood a run for its money with our movies,” Stero confidently asserts.