While you scroll, listen to "Dzoka Uyamwe" by Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi
A group of Kenyans holds space for children in Kibera slum to express themselves freely. Among these dedicated mentors is Samson, who grew up in Kibera himself. In a room full of attentive eyes, he speaks quietly but powerfully about the impact that art had on his life. He knows he can help these brave kids escape their day-to-day struggles and connect with others through art. With Samson’s mentorship and passion, art is lending a helping hand to those living in this part of Kenya, providing meaning and offering hope. Watch the film now!
Harambee Arts has established an international reputation as an effective Expressive Arts Therapy organization serving women, children and differently-abled people living in communities under severe stress.
In the African language of Kiswahili, Harambee means, “Let’s Pull Together.” All around the world, using the arts, Harambee Arts is transforming and improving the lives of women and children who have suffered the devastating effects of trauma caused by violence, illness, poverty, trafficking and other crises. In workshops and trainings based on a form of Expressive Art Therapy created by founder Gloria Simoneaux, participants begin to recover from deep psychological wounds and are empowered to further heal themselves and help others.
Harambee Arts
We use art in our workshops and training to support individuals that have suffered the devastating effect of trauma caused by violence, illness, poverty, trafficking and other crises.
We use art in our workshops and training to support individuals that have suffered the devastating effect of trauma caused by violence, illness, poverty, trafficking and other crises.
Within Harambee Arts each individual is regarded as fully capable and intact. Empathy and reaching out to others are core values.
Art is used as a tool to create a secure base and to build a relationship based on trust and felt security, the foundation for secure attachment.
Art is also used to explore grief and mourning of loss, a common human experience. Once a secure base has been established, the child is supported to accept and face painful experiences and to share stories.
The therapy lies in the sharing of stories and in the listening.
Art is a way to express feelings that are difficult to express in words.
Creating art helps us to understand and know ourselves.
The use of art for healing creates new pathways in the nervous system and the brain and ignites people’s wellness.
The use of Art Therapy creates an awareness of being present and deeply engaged.
The use of somatic awareness exercises to demonstrate how to bring an individual back to a resilient state after a simple or severe trauma.
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Your 100% tax deductible gift to Harambee Arts: Let’s Pull Together TM directly helps provide art programs for vulnerable children in an environment that fosters their sense of joy, creativity and exuberance.
