Our Kreativ Shift program under YEARN is a comprehensive and innovative initiative that empowers youth in Kisumu and the region through creative and cultural activities. It consists of various activities that aim to enhance the skills, knowledge, and creativity of young people in Kisumu, as well as to raise awareness and advocate for issues that affect them and their communities.

The program is aligned with the mission and vision of the Amazing Kisumu Foundation, which is to create a community that is alive, responsible, and innovative.

The program also contributes to the foundation’s strategic goals of promoting the blue economy, fostering innovation, enhancing urban resilience, and supporting youth empowerment. The program is implemented in partnership with local and international organizations that share our values and objectives.

The Kreativ Shift program supports youth development in Kisumu by providing opportunities for young people to discover their potential, pursue their passions, and contribute to their community. It also fosters a sense of belonging, identity, and citizenship among our youth.

The program supports youth development by providing opportunities for learning, networking, mentoring, and entrepreneurship. Through the program, young people can acquire 21st century skills that are demanded by the marketplace, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. They can also access resources and platforms to showcase their talents and ideas, as well as to engage with local and global issues that affect their lives and communities.

The Kreativ Shift program supports youth development in multiple ways.

First, it enhances youth’s personal growth and well-being by allowing them to express themselves freely and authentically, explore their passions and interests, develop their confidence and self-esteem, and cope with stress and challenges.
Second, it strengthens youth’s social skills and networks by enabling them to collaborate with others, communicate effectively, respect diversity and difference, build trust and empathy, and form friendships and alliances.
Third, it fosters youth’s civic engagement and leadership by encouraging them to participate in social issues, voice their opinions and demands, advocate for their rights and responsibilities, initiate positive change in their communities, and inspire others to join them.

Some of the activities include:

Workshops: The program organizes workshops for young artists and activists to enhance their skills and knowledge on various topics, such as creative writing, photography, filmmaking, graphic design, storytelling, advocacy, and leadership.
Exhibitions: The program showcases the works of young artists and activists in public spaces, such as galleries, libraries, schools, and community centers. The exhibitions aim to raise awareness and spark dialogue on the issues that affect the youth and their communities.
Festivals: The program hosts festivals that celebrate the diversity and creativity of the youth in Kisumu. The festivals feature performances, screenings, panel discussions, and interactive sessions with local and international guests. The festivals also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among the youth and other stakeholders.
Publications: The program produces publications that document and disseminate the stories and experiences of the youth in Kisumu. The publications include magazines, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and social media platforms. The publications also serve as platforms for advocacy and outreach.
Advocacy campaigns: The program supports the youth to design and implement advocacy campaigns that address the issues that they care about. The campaigns use various forms of art and media to communicate their messages and demands to the public and policymakers.

The Kreativ Shift program is an ongoing and evolving project that adapts to the needs and interests of the youth and the community. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our stakeholders and beneficiaries to improve our impact and reach.

We also invite potential donors and sponsors to support our program and help us achieve our vision of making Kisumu an amazing place for everyone.

By participating in the program, young people can become more self-aware, confident, and responsible citizens who can make a difference in their own ways.