A primary part of the project’s mission is to make the space and its resources accessible to the grassroots. Beyond, building a strong community in-house, PAWA254 has tangible plans to engage over 10,000 youths through trainings and outreach programs over the next year. For motivated youth, participation is expected to lead to professional employment and sources of income generation. PAWA254 thus seeks to improve the socioeconomic situation of youth from underprivileged backgrounds by providing the skills and resources that will enable them to pursue careers and livelihoods, particularly in journalism, media, and arts.
Through PAWA254, the Mtaani Initiative inspires and enables the utilisation of visual arts and creative social projects – by youth and ordinary Kenyans – to bring about transformational social change in Kenya.
Experience
PAWA254 projects build upon the experience and intent of Picha Mtaani, a street photography exhibition that has helped the nation heal and address the post-election violence that traumatized Kenya in 2007-2008. By taking its photographs and programs directly to communities, Picha Mtaani has reached hundreds of thousands across the country over its first two years. With PAWA254, the Mtaani Initiative is building upon its three years of experience in art-based peacebuilding and grassroots reconciliation efforts. PAWA254 is expected to foster creative initiatives similar to Picha Mtaani’s original popular street exhibitions and to develop the grassroots leaders to spearhead them.
