They are currently working on THREE projects in Kisumu, Kenya:
1. Heshima’s Work With Young Children In The Slums
Heshima started supporting an existing local charity called ‘Shinners’ working with vulnerable 2-7 year old children from the nearby Slums – together, we organize activities and games for the children.
We also offer Arts and Crafts sessions once a week, paying for a local artist to run the sessions. This allows the children to enjoy being creative.
2. Heshima’s Work With Young People In The Juvenile Home
Kisumu has a Juvenile Home housing 180 young people aged between 7 – 18 years. Some of these children have committed a crime; but for many, their only crime is being made homeless when they were abandoned by their families.
Life is tough for the children who end up living at the Juvenile Home:
• There are only two dormitories – one for boys and one for girls
• There is NO outdoor area for the children to play in
• There is ONE teacher for all 180 students
• For many there is little hope – few people seem to care
One of the ways in which we help is through our Music Workshops
The young people normally have no access to music, so Heshima funds weekly music and drumming classes according to the different age-groups of the children in the Home, paying for a tutor to come in and teach. We have also provided the instruments for the children. The children really look forward to their weekly music lessons!
3. Heshima’s Work On Challenging Tribalism And Discrimination
One of our MAIN concerns has always been to tackle the root cause of violence and hatred that erupted in 2008 so easily. It is hard because people are reluctant to talk about the hatred and discrimination still simmering below the surface smiles.
We do this through our Educational Project – an interactive programme which encourages young people to question their prejudices and stereotypes. We believe it is only by talking through our feelings we can move on: working with teenagers we can make a real difference to Kenya’s future.
If you would to know more about the work of Heshima, please have a look at their website: http://www.heshima.org.uk
