Art & Culture
Preserving Heritage Through Creative Expression
At ETCO, art is not decoration — it is identity. Our Art & Culture programme teaches children in Kibera the traditions of African cultural music and dance, while opening doors to drawing, painting, theatre, and acrobatics. Many of these children have never held a paintbrush or touched a traditional drum before walking through our doors.
Every Saturday, alongside our feeding programme, children learn to express themselves through rhythm, movement, and visual art. With generous donations of traditional musical instruments and painting materials, we have built a creative space where talent is spotted, nurtured, and celebrated.
ETCO Theatre
Our theatre programme has grown into one of our most exciting initiatives. ETCO Theatre stages live performances at venues like Canaan Estate Community Hall, blending entertainment with education. Through drama and storytelling, we tackle real issues facing our community — from health awareness to social cohesion — in ways that resonate with audiences of all ages.
We believe theatre and film pathways should be accessible from Kibera outward. Talent should not need a university gate to begin.
Street Performance and Community Outreach
Our acrobats have become a recognised force for community sensitisation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, ETCO's street performers carried public health messages through Kibera and surrounding neighbourhoods, drawing crowds with flips and theatre before delivering vital information about prevention and safety. This model of art-as-outreach continues to be a powerful tool for community engagement.
What Children Gain
- Confidence and self-expression through music, dance, drawing, and painting
- Connection to their African cultural heritage
- A constructive alternative to negative influences during school holidays
- Pathways into theatre, performance, and the creative arts
- A safe, supervised environment where creativity is encouraged
Art at ETCO is imagination made visible — dance, drawing, music, and story. Our Art Centre opens doors for children in informal settlements to grow their skills, showcase their work, and pursue opportunity.
In the field
Field reports
12 August 2023Keeping them engaged during holidays
With schools closed, ETCO kept children engaged through sports, drama, music, dance, drawing, and social skills—while more families joined our feeding programme and we asked the community to help sustain both.
27 May 2023Additional Engagements
Alongside our regular Saturday feeding, we held a drawing and painting session for children curious about art—spotting talent we hope to nurture through dedicated classes and mentorship.
29 April 2023Week 17 - Eventful day
From dawn prep to a late curtain call, Week 17 stacked sport at Undugu grounds, a hearty meal at ETCO, and a live ETCO Theatre show at Canaan Estate Community Hall—passion made visible in every department.