Kenya is a country of contrasts - from the huge, sprawling, modern metropolis of Nairobi with its traffic jams, skyscrapers towering to the sky and an emerging technology industry - to the hundreds of bustling towns and villages, some with traditional structures of thatch roofs and small shambas that families farm. Often when people think of Kenya they picture grasslands, Maasai Warriors, elephants, giraffes and lions. Most do not think of a modern city, over three million people, IT innovation and incredible creativity. But this is also Kenya. It is country of 42 cultures and languages. It is a place with a persistent prevalence of hope. It is also a country filled with stories. Stories connect us all, one to another, culture to culture, country to country. No matter what man-made borders we reside in; no matter what religion, culture or color of our skin we have, we are all united through our traditional and personal stories. These stories illustrate our similarities and celebrate our uniqueness. Every one of us has a story to share. Our stories matter. Our stories inspire. Beautiful photographs and illustrations accompany all of the authors' words.
About the Author: Artfully AWARE (AfA) uses creativity as an important tool for social improvement and emotional recovery of persons who have experienced traumatic events, disabilities or inadequate living conditions through our main program - The Community-Created Book Project. Our unique project builds trust through discussions, elicits the sharing of personal narratives through interviews and story sharing, while painting, drawing and photography workshops empower people to discover solutions to community issues. Sometimes dance, theatrical performances and music sessions are also utilized. Together, these workshops form a complete holistic approach to working with communities. We empower people to understand their own ability to influence their future by writing, illustrating, photographing and publishing their personal stories into a book that offers a way of expressing internal feelings that have been repressed in times of turmoil and are often difficult to vocalize. We give voice to those who have been marginalized or voiceless. Through each Community-Created Book Project, participants strengthen their minds and abilities through creative stimulation; looking inward and to each other for solutions and problem solving. Our workshops are cathartic, therapeutic and bring much needed resilience. We aim to engender cross-cultural learning, foster a greater awareness of human rights, encourage the break down of barriers and stereotypes and preserve cultural heritage. One can not overstate the importance of communities being able to hold a history written by themselves in their own hands. 100% of proceeds raised through the purchase of our book goes straight back into developing more educational arts programs for community members to promote empowerment, support psychological well-being, increase self-esteem and enhance local capacity building.