Opened in 2020, Ubunifu Lamu, an initiative of African corner shop (for more info click here) has evolved from an art learning centre for school going children affected during COVID-19 pandemic to a community-based organization (CBO) targeting vulnerable and disadvantaged children in a small village called Mararani village within Lamu Island.  With the advent of covid-19 around the world, Lamu Island basically shut down in March 2020.  Suddenly, people found themselves out of work and unable to provide for their families. Vulnerable children were often left to fend for themselves throughout the day as parents went in search of jobs and food. Upon seeing this situation, we quickly decided to convert our studio space into an art learning center in order to connect our resident artists with the children in the village needing a safe space to spend the day.

Today, Ubunifu collaborates with the local community to create a platform for intergenerational exchanges to encourage the continuation of cultural heritage but also to educate them on their culture, history and identity which is intertwined with the arts. We provide a unique platform, a gallery and studio where kids express themselves through art, music, poetry, dance and yoga and sports activities. Through art exhibitions and the interactive activities Ubunifu Initiative Lamu exposes the children to varied ideas while introducing their works to the publics, allowing growth and talent development.

Ubunifu Lamu’s mission is to integrate cultural and creative programming into the everyday lives of vulnerable children in Mararani Village, located on Lamu Island.

Ubunifu Lamu’s vision is to continue nurturing  local talent to unleash the potential of creative and cultural practices in the community.

Today, the most vulnerable members of our society are the children who were impacted by the closure of the island’s schools. We have identified many children left to care for themselves as their parents leave their homes early in search of a living. These children roam around the village and survive on one meal a day if and when their parents get lucky enough to bring something home.

We therefore decided to provide these vulnerable children with a safe space to play and create during the day as their parents continue with the hustle and bustle of life. We provide essential food and drink that they would otherwise go without. We are hoping to fill in the void left by school closings with supplemental creative activities focused on the arts.