We work with youth in Mararani Village – a working class village made up of families and children who have little access to enriching initiatives. We began our work in March 2020 with 12 children and have now expanded to 31 children.
Success
Major accomplishments 2025:
Ubunifu lamu participated in Nairboi Design Week in march 2025 where the children were able to showcase their talents through fashion
They were traveling for the first time to Nairboi
This was a big accomplishment in the fashion industry where we have designs and models at a young age
Major accomplishments 2024:
In April 2024
We introduced skateboarding to the island for the first where over 70 kids were able to skate for the first time
Skating bought together different children in the community from Shela to lamu town bringing children from different backgrounds to skate
We have our weekly classes every Thursday Ubunifu Kids Fashion Show
2024: Growth in Fashion and Football
2024 marked significant milestones for Ubunifu. We received a new sewing machine, enabling children to deepen their skills in fashion and design. During our tie-dye workshop, guided by our artist residency, the children created unique fabrics, which they later transformed into outfits for the Ubunifu New Year Fashion Show.
The same year, we launched the Ubunifu Football Club, providing a platform for children aged 5 to 17 from the community to train and compete. In December, we hosted the Ubunifu Tournament, bringing together young footballers from across the region. It was inspiring to see the community unite to support the next generation of footballers and celebrate their talents.
Through art, fashion, and sports, Ubunifu continues to empower children, nurture creativity, and strengthen community bonds.
Major accomplishments 2023 :
New Ubunifu Art Center
2023: A New Home for Ubunifu
In February 2023, the children of Ubunifu moved into the new art center in Mararani, Shela village. This dedicated space allows them to study after school with guidance from Ubunifu teachers and participate in art and yoga sessions on weekends. During school holidays, the center hosts workshops featuring artist residencies, where children explore various creative disciplines. Having a permanent space has given the children a supportive environment to do their homework, express their creativity, and grow their talents.
March – April 2021 – Recycled Art Workshop with Joan Otieno and the installation of two murals – one at the Shela Dumpsite and one at the African Corner Retail Shop.
July-August 2021
Children’s Fashion Show:
The children were able to make their own handmade outfits using traditional fabrics they sketch & design their own outfits & we’re proud to walk in a fashion show in honor of our Heroine Mekatili wa Menza
Ongea na Sanaa – October 2021
Express Yourself using Art
The children were able to imagine and learn an art language that is use to express themselves different it was taught by our board member Zihan Kassam
December 11, 2020:
Takwa Ruins Field Trip and Exhibition – An opportunity for the children to learn the historical roots of Shela Village. We used the recycled materials to make the art and partnered with The Lamu Fort and Shela Drummers.
June 6, 2020:
Quarantine Lockdown Art Show – A response to the COVID 19 Lockdown in Kenya at our art studio.
August 13, 2020:
Mekatilili Wa Menza Kid’s Art Exhibition and Cultural Show – An important historical figure in Giriama, and Kenya in general, history that the children used to learn and express their identity as most of the children hail from Giriama roots.
October 3, 2020:
Art with Recycled Materials Workshop and Exhibition – This event followed a community cleanup day in Mararani on World Clean Up Day. It also resulted in a beautiful mural.