majimazuri.org

Today here we are, not far away from reality

Despite our challenges, we see prosperity

We positively take our challenges, we see possibility

We develop our talents, this is within our capacity

The far we have come, we attribute it to humility

We sail on good waters, from the waters we see generosity

Our script is lengthy, our editors give it priority

We always have something to do, this is within our capacity

The future is clear to us, with us is our capacity

So dear to us is Maji mazuri, we say it with lots of honesty

We build on their strong foundation, the printouts are without opacity

We always have a reason to smile, this is within our capacity

Based on the theme of the yet to be held concert “Within your capacity” whose aim is to encourage the children, that despite their challenges, there is something that they are able to do; I have composed a poem that the children will recite during the event. Enjoy going through their words in blood.

It was our return to the garbage project, the date was 7^th January. We had returned from both the camp at the Coast and the festive season. “MAZINGIRA SAFI, AFYA BORA” (A clean environment enhances good health); this has been our theme since the inception of the project, it has played a great role in putting us up to task to see that our community lives healthy. In line with this, we have the following objectives:

1. To maintain a clean and conducive environment for residents to live in.
2. To educate the community on the benefits of a clean and safe environment.
3. Starting other income generating activities that are in line with the project.

We kicked off at 11am full of energy for whatever duty was ahead of us with regard to the project. Our clients were so happy to see us again but they were full of furry, they were faced by the garbage menace while we were away hence no one was available to render the services. Nevertheless, we were equally happy to meet them too. They lamented that so much garbage had to be collected but then again, we were fully prepared for any work that could come forth.

On this very day, we notified our clients on the increment of the charges from 10 shillings to 20 shillings which would take effect as from 14^th January. We well explained to them the reason as to why we had to increase the charges; this was because the prices for the plastic bags had increased. The clients welcomed the idea with no objections, we in turn told them that we had it in mind to appreciate their continued support of the project by giving them some incentives but this was to be communicated to them on some later date.

All was well throughout the project, we were glad to meet a great number of our clients who were back from the festive season. The time was approximately 2pm and we were through. As our routine dictates, we had our gear cleaned hence returned them to the youths’ office after which we left for lunch.

Challenge(s):

1. While we were away for the festive season, a couple of the youths were not available hence it was a not easy in coordinating the project.
2. There is inadequate cleaning equipments such as a garbage truck, wheelbarrows, overalls just to mention a few; to clear the massive garbage menace.

The month had come forth, December to be precise. The date too came knocking; it was 16^th of the same month. This was the time during which the youth had to leave to the Coast for a camp. We assembled at the bus terminus; the time was 8:00 pm in the evening. The joy we had was characterized by the eagerness we all had written on our faces; to get ourselves sited in the bus and wait for the departure time. For sure, we were early at the bus terminus since the departure time was at 9pm but then, we were not ready to face any inconveniences with regard to being late for the journey. Some of the youths took it to their advantage to do some last minute shopping before we could depart.

It was at the top of the hour, “Kwaheri Nairobi” (Goodbye Nairobi) I overheard some youths at the back seat shout this. “Haturudi hivi karibuni” (We ain’t coming back soon), another phrase followed. Vooom! Off we went. The journey was with no challenges, it was safe all along. It was on Saturday! we arrived 6am at the Coast though very exhausted. The least we could do at that particular moment was to head to where we could call home for the time that we were to camp there. At Shanzu teachers’ college we arrived safe and sound hence what followed next was some logistics had to be done before we could be allocated rooms. This took approximately half an hour after which, we settled at our various rooms and this was a mark of the beginning of the camp.

By now, our tummies were crying foul, to our advantage, there was a nearby café where we never hesitated to pay a visit to, the courtesy with which we were served was something to beckon. By the end of the noble cause to our stomachs, we felt rejuvenated once again. It was during this time which our leaders did what they do best; giving us guidelines that could guide us through the day. We relaxed for the better part of the morning but then, our energy was not enough to get us to the beach hence we forfeited it. Day had come to night, we equally had dinner after which we evaluated our journey. This marked the end of the long day.

Alas!, it was morning again. We took the opportunity to evaluate the activities that the youths had partaken the whole year, in line with this, we came up with the best way to tackle our challenges (way forward), this is how we called it. I keenly saw the leaders jot down some notes, a clear indicator to the members that all was to be worked upon. I have to mention that we were accompanied by two members from Ghetto transformers; a youth group from Mathare. Well, they really made it lively with their couple of games which we played before, during and after the sessions. The games had to it than could meet the eye, I simply mean that they were educative and nearly all had something to do with the solutions to our challenges.

For the number of days that we were at the camp, we used to cook our meals. Had you been there, you would bare me witness that we have a good number of chefs. For the better part of the morning, we had some sessions, this was from 8am to 11am and then a break of 30minutes. From then, we had some evaluations then lunch could follow. After having lunch, we could leave to the beach then we could come back at 5pm. We had to clean ourselves up as some members prepared dinner. Dinner was served at 7pm and what followed next was some drama club session in conjunction with the two members from Ghetto transformers who made it a blast altogether. This was our program for the days that we were at the camp.

It was on Wednesday, time was seemingly moving slowly here! By this time, one could hardly tell that we reside in Nairobi, we were more less from the Cost if the Swahili we were talking is anything to go by. This day was a free day. This was when some opted to go to the Kongowea market, the biggest in the Coast to shop for some mangos, coconuts, fabrics(kangas), just but a few.

Thursday came, we left to the ferry after which we headed to fort Jesus. The experience was pretty good to those who were there for their first time. It was fun too for those who had before been to the places, things had changed, this made it interesting. By the end of it all, time was not on our side and so we never went to the beach on this day. We headed back to Shanzu, our second home. That evening, we had a variety show whereby all of us showcased what we are good at with regards to talent. This to some was good enough to be a highlight of the camp. We got talent I assure you.

It was on Friday and the best we could do was to evaluate the camp in the early morning. Everyone was full of joy for the number of days and nights we had camped. Many youths if not all were of the idea that we extend our stay but they say, all that is good has to come to an end. This was our final day at the Coast. We later had our lunch and later headed to the beach. It was quite hard for some of the youths to come to terms that they were visiting the beach for the last time but then again, there was little to be done hence the remedy was just to utilize every single minute we had. Time had come and we had to get back and prepare our journey back to Nairobi. We were at the camp site and got ourselves ready. Some of the youths ate dinner in a nearby hotel while others deemed it fit to carry with them some food. We boarded a vehicle to town. We got to town some minutes past 9pm after which we waited for the bus that we had booked. The bus arrived at some minutes to 11pm, we never hesitated to get into the bus, one by one we went in. Back home we were driven.

We arrived in Nairobi at 6am safe and what was lingering in our minds was to celebrate the festive season with our families and friends. “Do have a merry Christmas and a happy new year”

This are the wishes that the youths wished for each other. Nevertheless, the camp was one of its kind. On behalf of Nairobi, I took it center stage to welcome the youths back to Nairobi and so, I told them, “                   

        MEMBERS:

1. Samuel Kiriro
2. Daniel Wainaina
3. Victor Kebane
4. Jackson Muyeki
5. Joseph Karani
6. David Kariuki
7. Vincent Muthini
8. Syprose Majuma
9. Janet Kabue
10. Judith Kemuma
11. Mevix Mueni
12. Margaret Wairimu
13. Teresia Mbinya
14. Evalyne Musa
15. Spasha Nyokabi
16. Faith Dorcas
17. Julius Kamau
18. Andrew Wafula
19. James Mwangi
20. Benson Atieli
21. Francis Gicheru
22. Silas Muthini
23. Moses Owino
24. Dennis Ouma
25. Rogers Omari
26. Donald Baraza

We woke up to the light of day, well set to the event of the day our destination; youths’ hall. We converged at the youths’ hall during the early morning ready to partake that which was scheduled for us, a clean up, so to say. 

A couple of months had passed since we last had a clean up activity besides the garbage collection project that is conducted every Saturday. If the youths’ program is anything to go by, this was to be the last clean up and the vigor with which it was carried out is one thing worth mentioning. 

The energy was written allover the faces of the youths, one could easily tell that more work and less talk was what awaited us. We were up to whatever course was required of us, at some point, you could hear some of the youths talking in low tones that they were exhausted but quenching some thirst made us ‘rejuvenated’ hence soldiering on as far as the event was concerned. The scotching sun could not spare us either but again, this did not deter us from accomplishing our mission. 

We were on the verge of seeing that we leave both our office and the hall tidy hence we did some thorough cleaning in the youth’s office and had building stone transferred to a more suitable place where they could cause less distraction. If I’m asked, I can attest that there was no need visiting the gymnasium on this particular day because carrying the stones had more to it than could meet the eye. 

It took us a couple of hours to have the clean up done, we were glad that to this far, there were no injuries reported and all went down smoothly. After all was done, we had our gear cleaned and there was no other better way that we could have ended the day apart from getting ourselves some good lunch. It was a worthy course for sure.

STOPPING THE BULLET!

A camp we had at the coast

To stop the bullet, we incurred no cost

Information we got is powerful, much of it but we didn’t burst

The power of the bullet is not a must

And this is of the past

Knowledge we got, stopping the bullet we boast

Against drug abuse, we are proud to attest

Against poor governance, you can put us to the test

Against HIV/AIDS, the knowledge we could digest

Against poverty, like the birds, we can build our nest

Against police, political and ethical violence, all the knowledge was best

To our backyard we returned, the bullets no longer to kill

One of the bullets may hit you, stopping it you can make a deal

You and I can look for a masking tape and to the guns have a seal

In unison, indeed we can reduce the bill

When hit by the bullet, you increase the bill, from this we have to heal

If we stop the bullet, our strength can enable us climb the hill

We have with us the task, now not hard that we can’t have a meal!

Proud is how we will feel

When we shall no longer talk about the bullets, the victims will be nil

                                                       Written by Kebane Victor

                                                  C/O Maji mazuri poetry club

                                                            13^th January 2011

                                                 THE YESTER YEAR

Much of reminisce we find in our minds

All started well and still moving on well as air from winds

Joy we have can’t be measured by equipments of all kind

In unison, we are grateful that we passed the test of times, no binds

 Many of our activities were successful

Almost all were a success, we are grateful

Zeal we shall, the ideas we have fresh at our archives, for we are youthful

Under the sand we didn’t hide from our challenges, the tackle was fruitful

Reading our stories, your comments made us joyful

In making a difference, our donors you were helpful

Yester years we also can’t forget

Our hearts have this to attest

Unwrapping our ideas, a common goal we get                                                                                           

Turning a new leaf, able we were to feed our pet

How glad we are! We all have made it to a year that was next

Growing, this we see in our organization

Ready we are to build a great nation, we got the motivation

Our self-esteem, helped us achieve our expectation

Unity we have, we handled matters with no hesitation

Prepared we are always, to do our activities with lots of devotion

A BORN IDEA

Back in the days was the birth of an idea

Maji mazuri has grown from year to year

We have the organization, it makes us feel alright

In store are the achievements, we hold them so tight

We have this to attest, it has made a difference for the best

More projects emerged from a single idea

To date, the progress is so clear

The supporters are always by our side, there is nothing we fear

We have them in our minds; to us they are so dear

We have this to attest, it has made a difference for the best

We much appreciate all good we have seen

The outcome is great, we have been keen

A beautiful view for the future we have is so clean

We also can’t forget from where we have been

We have this to attest, it has made a difference for the best

The idea has reached its maturity

An international organization, we have witnessed it help society

Indeed, many of us have been part of the reality

In years to come, we see great prosperity

We have this to attest, it has made a difference for the best

Compiled by

Kebane Victor

(Maji mazuri youth)

Early in the morning I am up

Yesterday’s left over makes my breakfast

I assemble my utensils to clean them up; the taps are dry

Something is always wrong in the atmosphere, authorities care less

I never mind of lunch, I’d rather mind of supper

Tough times come in handy; they never hold us down

Without knowing, evening comes knocking, we still keep the faith

When day comes to night; we still search for an extra dime

Our minds are ever engaged, the best is yet to come

Most of us have no time for negative energy

We preserve positive energy for yet another day

Some of us make it big; the ghetto is always at heart

Our hamlets will some time make a town

We shall then talk of a different story altogether

Men here work hard the best way they know how

Women put up small enterprises for subsidies

To the little of our knowledge, people like our story

Thank you for listening to part of our story

Kenyans were on this day of 20 October 2011 marking Mashujaa Day [Heroes and Heroines day] celebrations in appreciation of those who fought for her independence and this was somewhat with some similarity to our event that was scheduled to take place in the vast Mathare area on this same day . Both Maji mazuri youths, Miss Koch and SPI [Simama Pamoja Initiative], all of whom are Mashujaa wa amani [Warriors of peace] were on the verge of advocating for peace in Mathare in a bid to quell tribalism, gender violence, just to mention a few.

In the early morning, the sun was barely shinning but if the Swahili adage that says ‘Siku njema uonekana asubuhi’ [A good day is seen in the morning] is anything to go by, there was more that the day could offer than could meet the eye. We all assembled at the Maji mazuri youths’ hall hence what could start us off were some directives from Samuel Kiriro, better known as MC.  It was clear to us that what could guide us through the noble initiative was the brief message ‘Amani mtaani’ [Peace in the hood]. Before we started a procession, it started to pour; the rain might have dampened the event but it did not dampen the spirits. Luckily enough, it did not take long!

Off we went to the main road at the heart of Mathare, Slowly by slowly; children started joining our crowd, what caught their attention were two puppets that led us. The puppets helped us a great deal in mobilization which saw an early audience start to build up. Both the young and the old came in large numbers to see, hear and taste the energy and livelihood of the noble course. Passengers were not spared either , they were seen peeping through the window to have a glimpse of what was going on, the pedestrians were equally perplexed and the least they could do was to stop and listen to the message that was being projected across. The messages had to do with promoting peace, strengthening relationships, shunning tribalism and building bridges between antagonistic groups. For the antagonistic groups, we had some stop over at their bases and had their representatives share something to that effect.

At different spots, we had some stop over to spread the message and it is during this time that also residents were given the platform to share what they had with regard to promoting peace. Young ones did not disappoint, they also had something to share more than one could imagine and this made most of us come to a conclusion that Mathare needs such initiatives for a permanent observable change.

The procession continued for the better part of the day with no major predicaments. By this time, Mathare was filled with peace; all of us were literary breathing peace. The peak of it all was when we went to Mashimoni area in Mathare and advocated peace for close to three hours. It’s during this time that we had some entertainment from both the children, residents and the groups that were present. The entertainment from children was breathtaking hence it translated to capturing a greater audience. Having been there and done that, we were good to return back while equally spreading peace. In a couple of minutes, we were back at the youths’ hall where we had a stop over after which we continued with our course in a short while then we called it a day.

By this time, we were all extremely tired, some of us could barely talk anymore but we walked home happy warriors of peace and all we hoped for was that the message will linger in the minds of the Mathare people and our nation as a whole. There is no better way that we could have marked the Mashujaa day!

Peace be with us all.

“Umekuja mapema!” A girl whispered to her friend who had walked in late as she sat down beside her. Those who heard her tried to suppress their laughter which earned them sharp glares and low hushes from other members. They were listening to a talk on career guidance by Jaji, a former Mathare dweller, during the Maji Mazuri Youth Group meeting which was going on at the Main Hall. The talk brought together youth from Mathare, Huruma, Eastleigh, and the Barracks.

“High grades should not be an obstacle to achieving what you want. Do not dwell on failures. When you are kicking the ball in a match no one thinks of your grade. Be realistic. A liar cannot be an accountant and you cannot be a criminal if you do not engage in crime. Do not be the boy who gets married to a woman in Runda for her money. Strive for your own, believe in what you do and you will get what you want.” Jaji encouraged.

From the Main Hall, a shelter of wooden beams supported mabatis standing at a small clearing, one could see the vast red rooftops that made the Mathare Valley, known to many as the ‘Valley of Death’. The loud crackling noises the clean shiny iron sheets made as it contracted and expanded in the high heat of the hot sun, that was a result of Nairobi’s unpredictable weather, reminded Nelson Mandela, the Group’s Member representative, of gun shots that took place during the post-election violence that erupted at the slum four years ago. He looked impassive as he relayed the tale just a few minutes before the meeting began. His stance and confidence exuded the strong stamina the great leader of the most southern country in Africa he was named after possessed.

Nelson Mandela, like his world famous namesake, had seen the place he grew up in face the most vicious and gruesome period since the country got its independence. He watched as the gang from Mathare South took the opportunity to beat up young people of Mathare North. The years of rivalry they had between them reached its peak when the crisis broke out. The violent emotions that was pent up over the years burst out as friends and neighbors wield pangas and axes, knocking down crooked doors to the small shanties that had for years offered little protection from cold and thieves, baying for blood. He watched as women cried for mercy at their slayers for being what they were and stumbled on pieces of body parts as he tried to evade lashes of gleaming pangas. He was lucky to have survived. He knew it.

This became reason why the Stop the Bullet! Peace Project was established as the core activity that the Maji Mazuri Youth Group. The most recent peace initiative was a screening by the Ghetto Film Trust at the slum that captured what happened during the full blown violence. The highly emotional event motivated the youth to ensure peace in the slum. In place are some strategies that the Group will undertake to ensure peace during and after the elections next year.

“In the next project, Maji Mazuri plans to work with Simama Pamoja Initiative (SPI) to paint walls and roofs to preach messages of peace. Beautiful paintings with words like ‘Amani’, ‘Umoja’, ‘Ushirikiano’ and ‘Upendo’ will soon replace the worn out dirty rusted mabati roofs that portrays a dark murky valley that it is known to be.” Victor Kebane, the Group’s chairman explained. “We hope the words will reach not only the Youth but Kenyans in general to be one nation.”

The Group also focuses on key issues such as education, talent, community development, economic empowerment and mental health. It was started by Madam Wanjiku Kironyo who originally intended it for young girls who had had children by rape and molestation and simply put, were hungry. The Maji Mazuri umbrella also included a micro business loan program, head start school, two academic institutions and an organic farm. Wanjiku's dream has always been to make a genuine difference in her homeland but it was the sight of an old woman hanging onto the feeble rafters of her crumbling shack to escape the forceful flood of an unexpected downpour that sparked her into immediate and irreversible action. 

The youth Group was proof of her success. The weekly talks at the main Hall was geared to bring about peace in the Valley.

On further interaction on a heart to heart session among themselves during the Career Guidance talk with some of them, I realize that they are not only neglected, overlooked and forgotten, but other members of the society also shun, insult and shoot disgusted looks when they interact with them. In sheng, they discuss how it feels when they look for jobs or deliver messages or equipment in big prestigious offices they rarely get past security without being frisked and rapid whispered calls being made to confirm appointments. How security guards ‘interrogate’ them when they see sophisticated laptops, mobile phones or kindles in their bags when they enter many institutions.

How in matatus, wadhii clutch to their bags, phones and are afraid to remove their wallets to pay for the fare for fear that they will rob them. How when they introduce themselves and where they come from they can literally see the shudders and fears on the people’s faces. How their women gave up on education and turned to prostitution. Many have come to accept and have learnt to live with these harsh injustices. They have come to form their own groups where they can fit in.

The young slum dwellers who have succeeded to go through university by some miracle never forget where they come from. Many, like Jaji, come to give talks to groups such as these. “It is unfair sometimes to watch your rich classmates spend huge amounts of money on alcohol when I cannot afford a textbook.”  

I remembered how I was direly warned that if I must go to Mathare I should dress shabbily so I don’t stand out, not carry a bag and make sure I leave before dark. As I partook in the clean-up and garbage collection programs that they held every Saturday, I realized that these beliefs were nothing but stereotypes. The zeal and burst of energy of the people of Mathare as they went about their normal duties was much like any in Nairobi’s Central Business District, Karen shopping Center and South C Shopping Center.

It was identified that most people who partook in the violence were young people. Many Kenyans continue to ask questions that have yet to yield any answers. Unemployment is usually mentioned as the main reason. We will probably never find the answer but one thing that stands clear is that the youth, especially those living in stringent poverty, are a neglected marginalized group.

Unifying groups like Maji Mazuri provides a forum where Mathare youth discuss, educate advice, inform, encourage, learn, develop and work out their pent-up frustrations. “Maji Mazuri is the reason why I have developed such high self-esteem. I cherish it because it has opened avenues for me in my life. My experience as a leader has sharpened my decision making skills and has helped developed my self-confidence.” Such projects discourage violence, drug abuse and criminal activities and helps make Mathare Valley the Valley of Life.

Victor ends the interview with a few lines that tells of his life experience:

Ghetto

Glad to be raised here, skills are born from here

Harmless we are here, contrary to what you hear

Endless success stories from here, the pages we can't tear

Too many challenges we face here, we hit them with a spear

To the top we rise with no fear, we see this from year to year

Our hopes so high, in the ghetto we always have an idea

Story by Catherine Chumo