Education Music & Art Program

Since 2013 our Education, Music & Art Program (EMAP) has kept over 500 youth engaged in Visual Art, Traditional African Music, Dance, Guitar & Vocals, Poetry, Theatre, Fashion, Photography, and Filmmaking. These positive activities take place at Young Generation Center (YGC) in the heart of the sprawling Manyatta slum in Kisumu, Kenya.

EMAP objectives are to:

• Provide quality education to students through sponsorship opportunities
• Provide a safe space for youth to share experiences, stories, and projects
• Give youth a platform to express themselves through music & art
• Preserve culture by teaching youth traditional music
• Provide alternatives to drugs & violence through film, and photography

Many youth in Kisumu, Kenya are vulnerable especially when they are not at home or in school. According to The Kenya National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), alcohol and drug abuse is highest among youth aged 15-29. Besides the introduction to cheap drugs and alcohol at a young age, they are often also exposed to risky sexual activity, gangs, and other negative influences that are common in the slums because of lack of inspiration and necessary support systems. These conditions coupled with lack of role models frustrate many youth. Kisumu is also known internally because it was a hot spot during the post election violence in 2008 and 2017. Educating youth and providing them with music and arts activities enhances their self-expression, connects them to mentors and creates job opportunities.