We are on the move

by Nicholas Gisemba

Sunday the 11th of November was a day to remember as one of our new programs, the Uweza Cultural Troupe, was lucky enough to be invited to perform at a wedding outside Kibera. The group has been meeting since August to sharpen their dancing skills and recently had their first performance at Uweza Soccer Academy's Prize Giving day. The group meets every Sunday and brings together youth from throughout Kibera to learn dances from different Kenyan cultures.

The wedding was held along Thika road at St. Bernard Catholic Parish, where the bride and the groom were having the best day of their lives. The service went well with the parish priest giving word of encouragement to the newlyweds. Time came for the Uweza dancing group, wearing their new dancing costumes and shoes, to perform and everyone was impressed by their dancing styles.

For sure their performance was not a disappointment as wedding guests were treated to lively moves and were very impressed. According to their trainer Mr. Antony Juma, his task has been to train the youngsters in dancing skills, since it’s also like a sport to relax one’s mind and also enjoy oneself.  The Cultural Troupe was able to participate in wedding festivities and enjoyed a meal of rice, chapati, and meat as appreciation for their performing.  The group returned back to Kibera at night, after a day of enjoyment.

The wedding guests were so happy with the performance that one of the guests made an approach to the club if they can also perform in another wedding, which took place today. Antony’s vision for the group is to see them continue to perform at many events outside of Kibera to bring more exposure for Kibera youth outside of Kibera, to showcase their talents, and to gain sponsorship for the program.

Watch a video clip of the performance below and contact us at info@uweza.org or 0706823283 to book the Uweza Cultural Troupe to perform at your event!

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Nicholas Gisemba is a member of the Uweza Journalism Club. 

Dancing Magic

Story by Jenipher Awour

Photos by Sharon Akinyi

It’s  a Monday afternoon on the 20th of August  and I am at the Gifted Hands school compound in Kibera.  Here one can hear the sounds of drum beats coming from one of the classrooms.  This is the place where all the action is taking place this afternoon as kids participating in Uweza's new Dancing Club are practice their skills.

Preparing to dance

Uweza tutors Teacher Harriet and Teacher Apondi were here too. I did get to meet them and inquire their reason of being present, yet their tutorial program had taken some rest for this school holiday. “You see most of the kids were inspired when they heard we have dancing program slotted for this August holiday, and the majority will report earlier than even the expected time,” says Teacher Apondi.

The traditional dancing sessions are aimed to give kids with talents an opportunity to gain confidence. "You never know, perhaps we might end up with good dancers who can perform at bigger events," added Teacher Harriet.

Teacher Harriet plays the drums

In a short while I was also able to meet Fabian Owino and Anthony Juma, members of a local music group called Nairobi Drums, whom have been given the opportunity by Uweza to train dancing skills to youth from Kibera. According to Fabian Owino, their interactions with the kids  have helped them identify skills in some of them. “Already we have seen some of the kids who are fast learners while some are still learning gradually by watching others. That is normal and am sure with time they will get to be on the same level,” noted Fabian.

Students receive instructions from dancing teacher Fabian

Mr. William Moi, Uweza Country Director, told me that the aim of this program was to give kids some break from the normal school routine that is always packed with school homework and remedial classes. Jen Sapitro, Managing Director, was also present and added her sentiments that she had passed by to come and see how the sessions were going. "We have paid to rent the premises of the school since they have ample space that can accommodate all kids interested in dancing."

To conclude, I also got sentiments of some of the kids who had showed up today. Monica says she wants to nurture her talent in dancing while Quinter on the other hand notes that besides school work coming to the dancing group will refresh her mindsand also offer an opportunity to get to relax.

View a short video clip of the Dancing Club practicing for an upcoming peformance at Uweza Soccer Academy's Prizegiving ceremony here:

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The authors of this story, Jennifer and Sharon, are members of the Uweza Journalism Club.