Uweza Aid Foundation

Soccer program/uweza soccer academy: soccer is very popular among youth in kibera and our largest and most well-known program in kenya, making it possible to reach vulnerable children and youth in ways that might not have otherwise been possible. We use soccer as a vehicle to promote life skills and the importance of education. 150 children and young adults participate in our age-specific teams for both boys/men and girls/women. The Uweza soccer academy is pioneering girls and women's participation in sports in kibera and kenya.

Art program/uweza art gallery:the Uweza art gallery opened in 2013 to provide young, up-and-coming artists with the opportunity to express themselves creatively and earn an income from their artistic talents. The gallery provides artists with free materials and marketing support. 60% of all art sales goes to the artist. 40% of sales goes back into the gallery to pay rent and purchase supplies. The gallery strives to be sustainably run through the sales of artwork. Several of the artists have been able to pay the entirety of their primary, high school and post-secondary education through the sales of their artwork, and many of the older artists are able to fully support themselves through their sales. Uweza art gallery also hosts free art classes for children from kibera twice a week.

Sponsorship program:education is extremely important to kibera families, who recognize its potential to lift students out of poverty. Although both primary and high school have been declared free by the kenyan government, there are fees associated with attending school that many families can't afford. In 2022, we provided 46 scholarships to primary students attending local schools; secondary students most of whom attend boarding schools outside of kibera; and post-secondary students who attend vocational schools and colleges around the country. Scholarships cover the costs of school fees, school uniforms, school supplies, mentorship and guidance, and life skills workshops.

Bright futuresthe goal of this young women's economic empowerment group is to help women become financially independent. The program works with each member to provide opportunities for economic empowerment and self-sustainability utilizing their own interests, passions, and capabilities. Opportunities include small business training and business start-up/expansion loans, educational scholarships to high school and university, and scholarships to vocational training courses. The group also participates in group savings activities and receives training in life skills.

Golden girls powerour girls' empowerment club provides 60-70 girls living in kibera with a safe space to meet every weekend, socialize, and learn about life skills issues that are relevant to improving their mental, emotional and physical well-being. The girls also participate in drama, poetry, arts and crafts, taekwondo/self-defense training, and jump rope.

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