WATOTO WA KWETU TRUST (WWKT) In the Swahili language “Watoto Wa Kwetu†means “Children of the Neighborhoodâ€, was founded in 2004 as a children’s art workshop by Jacob Njoroge Wachira a.k.a. Jacob Wachira Ezigbo (as his Professional Artist’s name) . WWKT is located in the Mathare slums, situated a few kilometers northwest of the affluent areas of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Jacob began offering free workshops to neighborhood children as a positive alternative to the many anti-social activities that prevail in the area. And as a way for these children to experience the joy that should come with childhood.
Approximately 80% of the youth in Mathare are unemployed fostering a cycle of generational poverty. The residents of Mathare face a plethora of challenging social, environmental and health issues, ranging from rising numbers of the community becoming infected and many dying from HIV/AIDS, orphaned children, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual violence/rape, teenage pregnancy, gender discrimination, lack of quality and or affordable education, as well as serious environmental issues.
Everyone desires, deserves, and is entitled to a voice in the world. However, in many cases due to unimaginable circumstances in which most of these children live, they do not have a voice or anyone who even cares to listen. WWKT creates opportunities for each child to discover their voice and a means to express it. This is the first step in the process that will foster a better tomorrow. We must show the children a way where they will realize that if they can dream it, they can do it. The future depends upon how we care for the youth of today and how they must be equipped with all the necessary tools and information required for a better tomorrow…
Evidence suggests that students in both primary and secondary educational settings who actively participate in some form of art, be it be painting, acting, music, etc., perform better in other subjects than students who don't participate in art. Exposure and involvement in art programs as ours prepare the children to make healthier decisions when faced with involvement with harmful activities and drug use. Exploration through art challenges children to problem solve, to look inside and at the world around them, to connect with others, and will naturally support a more harmonious society for all of us.
Watoto Wa Kwetu Trust's founder, Jacob Wachira Ezigbo is a man possessing a great deal of love and respect for humanity, and above all children. If asked if he has any children he will tell you that he has many children! Sometimes over 60 of “his†children will show up for the weekly workshops held in front of his humble home in Mathare.Drawing from a deeply personal experience of how art lead him to know himself and to find his voice in the world, his passion and commitment to share this knowledge with the children was born. For Jacob, a visionary, in many senses of the word, seeing the “big picture†comes naturally. It’s in this “big picture†that the lives of the youth of Africa shall come to discover their rightful purpose.Since WWKT’s conception in 2004, several satellite groups, offering workshops have developed throughout Kenya. The next step is to acquire ample funding to obtain suitable facilities, equipment, materials, and transport, in order to continue facilitating the work already in progress. From here there is no end in sight!
WISH LIST:
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Cash Donations (Always helpful!)
Lap top computer(s) Especially a MAC Book or MAC Book Pro (the MAC's are not susceptible to the many viruses that effect computers -especially in Africa) Also the MAC is great so that we can edit the kids films and work better on the photographic projects as well.
A Newer Model Digital Projector(s)
Educational DVD's about artists and musicians as well as other interesting films to share with the children
Art Supplies are always needed(Paints acrylic & oil, brushes, oil paint sticks, pastels and canvas etc.))
A Web Designer (myspace is great but….)we would love to eventually have a more accessible (to non-myspace users) web page
Fun and original ideas, available venues and volunteers to create successful fund raising events in the US and Europe
A book publisher willing to assist us to produce a coffee table style book containing the works of the amazing paintings and their stories created by the children at the workshops
A wireless microphone(s)
Artists wanting to volunteer at the workshops in Nairobi and in surrounding areas in Kenya. (At this time there are no available funds or grants in place to cover you expenses, but please get in touch if you can assist us in this process)We can help arrange everything to make you visit very memorable and the fees for us to do this can be discussed once you contact us.
Amani, Upendo, Imani na Baraka (Peace, Love, Faith and Blessings)
Jacob N. Wachira Ezigbo -Artist & Founder Watoto Wa Kwetu Art Center & Trust (you can also write Jacob directly at [email protected] as he does not check this site everyday)
If you are in the United States and wish to learn more about Watoto Wa Kwetu Trust, you may to contact Farin Greer (in Portland, Oregon) at [email protected] or calling 503-867-1711
Be part of the Watoto Wa Kwetu family, working to keep this program growing strong- Ungana Nasi (join us)!!!!
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THE BLOGS AT THE TOP to learn of the wonderful efforts of volunteers and donors, who have given their time and love to keep this program going and growing.(this blog is a work in progress!)
Here's a shot taken this Feb.2008 when a group of hard hat wearin'& hard workin' construction folks from Stacy Whitbeck Construction presented Jacob with a gracious donation for WWKT!
ASANTE SANA One and All!
Here are some of the awesome paintings done by the children at the workshops. These paintings were exhibited at the Rahimtulla Museum of Modern Art (RoMoMa) in Nairobi, Kenya in Aug.2006
Here's some shots from the weekly workshop....
Below are some of Jacob Wachira Ezigbo’s paintings and to see more paintings go to www.fineartamerica.com
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(NOTE: A PERCENTAGE OF SALES OF JACOB'S WORK WILL BE DONATED TO THE TRUST)