Young, male and empowered to do better
Micah Omulama is a weaving student at the Human Development and Skills Training Program (HDSTP) Unit of the Ruben Centre. Alongside his learning peers who are mostly females, Micah has learnt to disregard gender in the practice and learning of his weaving. Throughout his weaving process, Micah has been able to produce the Kikoi, Shouldershow, Twill Kikoi and table mats materials.
Micah Omulama at work inside the HDSTP Unit of the Ruben Centre. Photo: Stephen Tengo
“The skills I learn at the HDSTP unit over the years have developed my personality alongside enabling me to learn which has resulted to my improved living standards,” Micah attests.
The products which Micah produce from the HDSTP Unit are displayed alongside other items made by his colleagues in the showroom situated inside the Ruben Centre. From the showroom, the products are physically visible thus marketable before being sold to interested parties.
Micah Omulama poses with a scarf and kikoi he's produced outside the HDSTP Unit of the Ruben Centre. Photo: Stephen Tengo.
The Human Development and Skills Training Program (HDSTP) Unit provides Micah with a stipend which enables him to access basic needs such as food and shelter. Eliud Wanjohi, the weaving instructor at the Human Development and Skill Training Program (HDSTP) Unit confirms the progressive development of the students who first join the weaving department with a zeal to learn more.
“Our students’ ignorance of the weaving skill is whitewashed through our internal curriculum through which they are also examined to gauge their knowledge of the craft,” informs Eliud Wanjohi.
According to Eliud, a total of 22 students have been able to secure income earning opportunities externally after undergoing the weaving lessons from the HDSTP Unit of the Ruben Centre. The placement of the advanced students is usually safeguarded through follow ups from Elizabeth Kagwima, the Head of the HDSTP Unit.
“I encourage my male peers to disregard the issue of gender when seeking for new ways to improve their lives and prioritize learning for their personal growth,” Micah recommends.
Alphonse “Alphonsito Mcreative” Kyalo, is an alumni of the AEF Ruben School who visits the Ruben Centre’s Art room to refine his creativity in arts. Alphonce was born and raised in the Mukuru kwa Reuben community.
Alphonse Kyalo poses for a photo inside the Ruben Centre Art Room. Photo: Stephen Tengo
“When I visit the Ruben Centre’s art room I rekindle the raw aspects of my art talent through running different forms of pencils on different textured paper to bring my imagination to life,” Alphonse acknowledges.
Alphonse’s passion for arts led to his admission in computer courses offered from the Resource Room of the Ruben Centre through Nairobits Trust from January to March 2016. The resource room was formerly known as the Mukuru Information Centre.
The computer courses included lessons on basic computer operations, using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft software. During the study, Alphonse joined his peers in creating awareness on sexual and reproductive health and the rights of young people under the SRHR Alliance Kenya.
Alphonse Kyalo and Christopher Matuva creating inside the Ruben Centre Art Room. Photo: Stephen Tengo
“I am happy to see alumni of the AEF Ruben School constantly retracing their steps to where their interests and desires began such as the Art Room, because it connects to the broader mission of empowering the Mukuru community,” Christopher Matuva, the Art Room facilitator shared.
Alphonse is now a freelance Creative Digital Designer, who is well verse in branding, social media marketing and digital illustration for website and mobile platforms. Alphonse and Micah are among the male joiners of the Mukuru community who have continued to use the Ruben Centre’s facilities to cultivate their skills while encourage upcoming talents and enthusiasts to do the same.
Micah Omulama and Alphonse Kyalo fist bump at the Ruben Centre. Photo: Stephen Tengo
Facilitated by Elizabeth Kagwima, Head of the HDSTP Unit.
HDSTP Unit Photo Directed by Eliud Wanjohi , Weaving Instructor - HDSTP Unit.
Written By Alphonse Kyalo, Christopher Matuva, Micah Omulama & Stephen Tengo.