PILLARS OF KIBERA THEATRE GROUP

PILLARS OF KIBERA THEATRE.

BACKGROUND

Pillars of Kibera (POK) Youth Group was formed in 2004 and registered in 2005 under the ministry of Social services as a community Based youth Organization.

Moses Omondi through Undugu society of Kenya spearheaded the initiative that brought together youths from different villages.

The youth's felt the need and desire to form a collaborative alliance that effectively and strategically respond to the issues that are affecting the youths and the entire community. The organization has four departments that facilitates the implementation of it's programs.

The Theatre Department where the youth are engaged in utilizing Participatory Education Theatre (PET) through choreographed choral verses, dances, skits and puppetry. There's also a soccer department for young upcoming footballers, Environmental conservation, Income generating activities and Girls initiatives.

VISION

Giving hope to the youths and community to achieve their dreams and aspirations geared towards community development.

MISSION

To equip the youth, to serve the community to achieve sustainable community development.

OBJECTIVES

1. To advance for behaviour and attitude change among the youth.
2. Creating awareness and sensitization on social economic issues affecting the community i.e HIV/AIDS, Human rights.
3. Promoting better environment
4. Advocating for peace co-existence within neighborhood.
5. Capacity building and advocacy
6. Promoting, nurturing and developing youth talents.
7. Networking and Linkages

ACTIVITIES

• Youth Counseling and Dialogue forums
• Participatory Education Theatre
• Soccer Tournaments
• Clean up and Garbage collection
• Income generating activities
• Training and Workshop
• Sponsorship
• Picnics, Exchage visits and Camps

POK ACHIEVEMENTS

• Participated in clean up exercises in Ondiri Swamp in Kikuyu and Dagoretti market by National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) 2009.
• Participated during World Water Day held on 21st at Hekima College 2009.
• Implementing Participatory Education Theatre on Stigma and Discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS funded by Care Kenya local link project 2009.
• Three members trained as peer educators by Medicine Sans Frontiers (MSF) in Kibera 2009.
• Participated in Radio talks organized by Radio Simba, Pamoja FM, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) 2009.
• Conducted PET show on healing and reconciliation in Kibera facilitated by Carolina for Kibera 2009.
• Participated in Kibera Marathon on better housing organized by Ministry of Housing 2009.
• Conducted PET shows on call 116 for free facilitated by Child Line 2008.
• Organized Kibera Youth Talents search for healing and reconciliation funded by City Harvest Ministries 2008.
• Participated in Peace and Reconciliation Forums organized by UNDP, UNHABITAT, Catholic Church, Ministry of youth affairs 2008.
• Members of clean up the world, Tuelewane Youth Network, Muungano Wa Wananchi.
• Conducted URAIA civic Awareness in three consistency facilitated by federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) 2007
• Performed in both formal and informal schools i.e Christ is the King Primary school, Raila Educational Center, St. John Secondary School, Vishal Oshwal.
• Performed in Christian Institutions i.e Diguna Mission centre, Nairobi Pentecostal Churches, African Inland Church and Kangemi church.
• POK has also networked with several organizations Undugu Society of Kenya, Kada, AMREF, Kibera Women Network, Koinonia community, Haki jamii.

PLANS

• Implement Participatory Education Theatre for Healing and Reconciliation in Kibera funded by UNDP under civil society democratic Governance facility.
• Establish ICT Youth Friendly Resource Centre in Kibera (Sourcing for funds)
• Organise first Kibera Youth annual Conference (Sourcing for funds)
• Assist 12members clear Secondary School and 15 to join college (Sourcing for funds)
• Conduct Kibera Youth Talents search 2009

CONCLUSION

Pillars of Kibera is seeking the support of well wishers and friends in order to continue serving the youth and the entire community living in informal settlement. You can be part of us through your donations in cash in kind.

PILLARS OF KIBERA MEMBERS

In the Pillars of Kibera, we have different members holding different positions in the daily running of the group.

Ochieng Kevin Keegan - DIRECTOR OF THEATRE

I was born in 1985. I'm currently pursuing a Diploma as a Nutrition Specialist. My talents are basically in poetry and spoken word.

Motto: LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT MAKING COMMITMENTS NOT PROMISES.

Samuel Othole Abwao - CHORIOGRAPHER & TRAINER

I was born in 1984. I joined Pillars Of Kibera in the year 2004 as a performing artist. As at now, my artistic life has gone up by far and I appreciate Pillars of Kibera for Nurturing my talent and making me appreciate my Dancing, Acting and general performance talent. Currently i'm the Head Trainer in Pillars of Kibera a position I appreciate. I was trained to be what I am, I also want to train upcoming artists to be like me and even better.

Joseph Odongo Ochieng - PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR

I was born in the Rift Valley province in the year 1984. I did my early education at St. Partrick Primary School and later joined Jera High School for my secondary education. I joined Pillars of Kibera in the year 2004. Through Pillars of Kibera I managed to discover my talent in Dancing, Poetry and even leadership skills. I got the privilege to join different educational Institutes through Pillars of Kibera.

1) K.E.W.I - Kenya Water Institute.

2) D.O.T - Digital Opportunity Technology

3) P.I.C - Public Information Centre (Organized by World Bank)

My service to my community and Pillars of Kibera is of no doubt an inbuilt desire in me.

Irene Mwikali Mutisya - Artist

I was born in the year 1989. I schooled up to College Level as a Beauty Specialist. I love being an artist as Dancing and Poetry are my major interests. I joined Pillars of Kibera in 2005 and to this far, I can say that my talents in Dancing and Poetry never went into waste. I have grown career wise and hope through Pillars of Kibera I will appreciate my every day life as an artist. Swimming, Socializing and traveling make my artistic life complete.

Vincent Odhiambo Omondi - ASST. TRAINER

I was born in 1990. I'm a student and intend to do my 'O' level in the year 2010. I live with my parents at the Kibera slums. I joined Pillars of Kibera in the year 2006 as a performing artist. What drove me into joining the group was a community show about Stigma and Discrimination to the HIV+ members of the Society. They did challenge people to change their view on HIV+ victims and that moved my heart thus a driving force to join the group. I personally love dancing and poetry though before I felt it as a hard task but now I'm somewhere. What makes my appreciate Pillars of Kibera is that I get noble opportunities to go to different places for performances as educating and socializing is my agenda. Training my fellow group members makes me appreciate what I am. I thank God for this far He has brought me in my artistic life.

Alexander Khalai Ambetsa - MINISTRY CO-ORDINATOR

I was born in the year 1985. I learnt up to the college level but failed to clear due to financial problems. My main ambition is to become a Doctor - Surgeon. I joined Pillars of Kibera since I felt in me there was that talent of dancing and Poetry. Through Pillars of Kibera my social life's chart has gone up and as at now I am a Peer Educator and I do love my every new day in life with encouraging the youths and planting sense in them on how to live responsibly. I will give whatever I can to my group and community so that we can all grow together.

Mariam Ismail Ramadhan - Artist

Was born in the year 1986. I schooled up to College level. I joined Pillars of Kibera in 2009 and for the Months have been there I can appreciate myself and the entire group as a whole. The brotherhood in the group keeps me going and my life has drastically changed as each and every new day is a learning day in my life. Dancing, Listening to music, Socializing and reciting poems are of major interest in my life as an artist.

Steven Omondi - Artist

I was born in 1990. I'm a form three drop out due to fees problems and also have a Certificate in computer Packages. I joined Pillars Of Kibera three months ago and as at now I'm far much better in Dancing, Acting and Poetry. Before I joined Pillars of Kibera I was in another group and I felt I wasn't giving enough and receiving enough either. I saw Pillars O Kibera in a Community show and their Dancing and Poetry pulled me closer. I decided to follow them after the performance and after which I became a Member. I wan't to be the best dancer sometime in this life.

Sophie Achieng - Artist

I was born in 1990. I schooled up to my early primary and could not complete due to financial problems. I'm an artist in theatre at Pillars of Kibera. When I joined Pillars of Kibera some few months ago I knew nothing about dancing or poetry. At first, I thought I couldn't make it but through the trainers encouragement I'm now able to do perfomances anywhere and confidently. I love playing soccer, dancing and reciting poems. As long as I'm in Pillars of Kibera, I feel at home and I really appreciate each and every member of the group.

Daniel Ochieng - Artist & Costume Controller

I was born in 1990. After dropping out of school I did have a hard time in life and that's when I joined Pillars of Kibera a place I felt at home. I'm the Costume controller at Pillars of Kibera and though my position is challenging, I always make sure that things are done in good time. Dancing, Acting and Poetry are the things I love doing in Pillars of Kibera.

Kathreen Nyanchama - Artist

I was born in 1990 at the Kibera Slums. I did my early primary education in 2005 and on joining my High school I got stuck in form two. I later did a course in Computer Designing. I joined Pillars of Kibera since I had that urge in me that I can dance and create awareness in my Society. Through several performances and educative forums have learnt to apprecaite what I am and also discovered that passion drives one in better places. In pillars of Kibera, I learnt to live with others harmoniously as Peace is a cup of tea to all the members.

Ochieng Moses Steel - Artist

I was born in the year 1990 at Kano District. Initially I was a social worker at Pillars Kibera. I would do the usual cleaning and head for my businesses. I realized I wanted to give much I didn't know how. I was afraid to join the theatre group since I couldn't shake a single bone. This drove me into doing practices at odd hours all by myself and one day I decided to swallow my fears and join the group in exercising at broad day light. At first, it was really tough to be in the rhythm and most of the times I was a source of entertainment to my fellow artists. Through the help of my trainer Samuel and the support of other members I'm now far much better in dancing and poetry. Pillars Of Kibera is more than a family to me and I really love my everyday with everybody.

Halima Anyango - Artist

I was born in the year 1990. I did my 'O' level and spire to be a Business Woman. I joined Pillars of Kibera two months ago and I'm fairing on well trying to catch up with activities. I first saw Pillars of Kibera do a community show on Participatory Education Theatre in the Kibera slum. I felt moved by what they were doing and after the show i did follow them to their place. They accepted me and took me as I am and that made me love being an artist.

Ojuku O. Kennedy - Artist

I was born in the year 1989. I'm currently in High school and hope to complete my 'O' Level in 2010. I joined Pillars of Kibera Six months ago after a friend influence. At first, I could do nothing but through the encouragement of the group members and the trainers I managed to move some steps ahead. Right now, I'm far much ahead and I can say productive to both my group and society.

Obonyo Jemimah Achieng - Artist

I was born in Nyanza Province. I joined Pillars of Kibera month ago and I appreciate all that goes on at Pillars of Kibera. What I dislike alot is lazing around.

Motto: TO MEET MEN OF GOD WHO WILL NATURE ME PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.

Kai L. Hillary - Artist

I was born in the year 1987. I just cleared my High School two years ago and wish to become a Television Broadcaster in the near future. I joined Pillars of Kibera end of September this year and as far as I can see, all is fine. I'm in the process of learning as much as I can from each and every member. Sincancing and poetry are in me, I'm sure i'll make it.

Faith Wavinya - Artist

I was born 1987, raised and schooled in Nairobi, Kenya. I have a Diploma in Information Technology.

I live with my mum in Kibera, the largest slum in east Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya. She brought me up all by herself. She continues to be a treasure in my life.

I have a passion for computer-based work in film editing, design and for general computer packages. In August 2009, I was selected to become a trainee at the Kibera Film School. Working with Cajetan Boy, one of the instructors at Kibera Film School, I realized that I had a talent in storytelling. This became a turning point in my life.

I joined Pillars of Kibera after a friends influence. I then realized that I can dance and confidently recite poems. I'm still holding on.

My interest in life is to become a filmmaker to tell stories about my Kibera community in a different way. I want to show the positive aspects of Kibera through real life stories and experiences. What drives my life is to give the best in whatever I do. For me, my best is based on respect, teamwork, patience and responsibility.

Hellen Tisi - Artist

I was born in 1993. I'm currently in High School and hope to clear in the year 2011. I joined Pillars of Kibera after seeing the perform on different occasions. I appreciate each and every day in the group. Through Pillars of Kibera have managed to travel to different places of the country and learn alot from different communities. I like it when Pillars of Kibera preach peace and give the HIV+ victims the morale to carry on with life. That keeps me going and I feel I'm in the right place.

Moses - Artist

I was born in. I'm currently in High School and hope to finish in the year 2010. I joined Pillars of Kibera end of September and I can say that I'm at home. I'm in my early stages of learning and through the help of other group members and the trainer i'm sure i'll make it.

Innocent Nyakundi - Artist

I was born in 1988. I cleared my early Primary Education, did my High School and I'm currently at Kenyatta university doing a Degree in Medical Studies. I joined Pillars of Kibera in 2007 and it's then that i realized my talent in Dancing, Acting and Poetry. I love my everyday at Pillars of Kibera since we relate as brothers and sisters thus making it easy for us to learn as much as we can from each other. My artistic chart is increasingly going up as each a every day is a new adventure. I believe in Making things happen other than sitting back and complaining once things are not done right.