Kajiado youth use art to fight d**g a***e
More than 50 youths and women have landed a chance to hone their drawing and painting skills in a unique project to paint and beautify Maili 46 town in Kajiado West sub-county.
The project dubbed “the Art town” has seen international painters and artists collaborate with locals to transform the sleepy town.
First phase of the project, which was initiated one-and-half-months ago, saw 10 local youths recruited to undergo rigorous drawing and painting training from experts.
The idea was mooted by a Norwegian, who visited the town during the recent drought witnessing mass livestock death. He decided to bring them hope through art.
Currently, at least 150 business kiosks have been painted artistically. Some of the kiosks have drawings passing different messages including modern farming, fight against drug abuse, importance of education and the need to end retrogressive cultures. Yesterday women, youth and children held a special competition to identify and reward outstanding artworks where winners were rewarded.
Most youths said the initiative had helped them discover their artistic talent and vowed to sharpen them further.
“I finished Form Four two years ago and due to lack of school fees, I was forced to end my education. I am so delighted that an opportunity related to my drawing talent has presented itself. I hope that the network of people involved in this project will help me realise my future dream. I am learning skills that will enable me commercialise my creativity in the art world,” John Leposo, a resident said.
Major boost
Parents lauded the initiative, terming it an eye opener and major boost in the fight against drugs abuse and crime among youths.
“In the recent past, youths in this sleepy town have been abusing third generation liquor and ‘muguka’. We are happy to see youths learning and keeping themselves busy. We are hopeful that we will have beneficiaries of the project who will be ambassadors of the wellness programme,” Jane Naningoi, another resident noted.
Crown Paints Human Resources Manager Nicholas Wanambisi said the company partnered with volunteer painters to tap talents and provide an alternative means to earn a living through tourism.
“Young people are a key pillar of every community. Intense sensitisation programme on enhancing talent is significant to the tourism sector. Art is a big attraction to tourist if done professionally and in an organised manner,” Wanambisi observed.
