It was such a treat to watch some of the performances of the Youth Department of Faulu on Christmas Eve. They are so packed full of talent, just look at the moves they have even in crocs! Not only are they thoroughly enjoyable to watch, but the programme provides an avenue for youth to avoid common issues within the refugee camp such as drug abuse, early pregnancy, and early marriage, through developing their talents and providing counselling services to those in need.
Through their performances, the music and drama groups help educate their community on topics such as peace, unity, sexual health and child protection. It’s a brilliant way to reach the community!
They have singers, rappers, shakers, acrobats, and even fashion shows to help individuals explore and strengthen their talents, but they have no equipment, something we are looking to change.
They also have two football groups, one for older children and one for younger children. The football teams are eager and hard-working, practicing every day, but they have only one football, no team jerseys, and no shoes to play in (and let me just say, the Turkana sand is hot hot hot!) Kakuma Refugee Camp has so many talented and aspiring athletes, five athletes from Kakuma even made the last Olympic Refugee Team.
The youth development programme also has a women’s group that keeps the traditions and values of their home cultures alive, so that they are not forgotten within the camp. Currently they provide training on Congolese and Burundian traditional dance… take a look at an example of one of the Congolese dances! A traditional dance typically requires 7 drums, they have three at the moment that they have made, and further still they have been very creative in making their costumes, using bottle caps for the ankle instruments, flour for their face paint, and shredded plastic for their skirts!
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