What the artists say
Welcome back to the kARTwe Kronicles. This blog is designed to give you bite-size and timely updates on the development and evolution of the kARTwe Project. If you are new to this blog, please check out my introduction to and explanation of the objectives and context of the kARTwe Project HERE
In previous editions of the kARTwe Kronicles, I have explained what we are doing. We are teaching slum kids and street kids to draw and to paint. They then use their skills to produce murals in their community. In The Benefits of Street Art, I have presented how the community is impacted by this initiative. In this edition, I will look at how the project is impacting the new artists themselves. Here is what they have to say.
Nanfuka Hajarah
Hey, I’m Hajarah. I am 24 years old, from Nsabya in Kampala. A proud business owner in Kampala. I specialize in makeup and jewellery. I’m excited to share how the kARTwe project is shaping my business. Thank you to FAMMI and all the teachers who are making this possible. Your support and guidance have opened doors for me and my business. Through this project, I’m learning incredible art skills that I can’t wait to use in my small business.
One amazing thing I’ve discovered is how to turn waste plastics into beautiful necklaces and earrings for women. It’s a unique way to create stunning pieces while also promoting sustainability. I’m looking forward to implementing these new skills in my business soon. I believe it will bring a fresh touch to my makeup and jewellery creations. Learning is a continuous journey, and I’m thrilled to keep growing and expanding my artistic abilities. Together, we’re making a positive impact in the world of art and entrepreneurship.
Nashibah Nattabi
Hi there! I’m Nashibah Nattabi. I am 34 years old. I am a proud business lady and a mother of three amazing kids. I live in Nsambya, Kampala. Art has transformed my life. Thanks to my incredible teachers, Mr. Willy, Mr. Roger, and Mr. Moses, I’ve discovered a whole new world through art. I can’t express enough how much this project has meant to me. I’m truly grateful to the members of FAMMI who had the vision for such a wonderful initiative.
Art has given me a fresh start and has polished my life in ways I never imagined. Now, I can take waste materials and turn them into beautiful artwork. I’ve even learned how to use paints and pastels, which I struggled with at first. But guess what? I’ve improved a lot, and now I can create art that I sell too! Not only that, but this art class has brought new friendships into my life. I’ve met incredible people and made new friends. It’s been such a joy to connect with others through art.
Remigious
Hello, my name is Remigious, and I am 9 years old. I study at Katwe Central Primary School. I really love art and it has helped me learn a lot of things. Mr. Moses, my awesome art teacher, has taught me so many cool things. I’ve made great friends like Dilisa and Swaib in our art class. We’re a team of young artists!
Art is everywhere, and I love painting, shading, drawing, and sketching. It’s like magic when my ideas come to life on paper. We have also learned how to use organic materials like banana fibres to make dolls. It’s super fun! We’re also learning how to recycle plastics like bottles, straws and polythene bags from our homes and neighbourhood to create art. We’re turning waste into something beautiful! I want to thank everyone for supporting me. I’ll keep exploring, creating, and who knows, maybe one day my art will be famous!
Yasin Nsubuga
Hello everyone, my name is Nsubuga Yasin, and I’m 13 years old. I’m in Primary Four, at Katwe Central Primary School. I absolutely love using coloured pencils to shade! It’s so much fun! Seeing the colours blend together and create beautiful effects brings me so much joy.
After our art class, we get to enjoy a delicious meal together with my new friends. Learning and having a good meal with friends makes the whole experience even more enjoyable! Art has become such a special part of my life. It allows me to express myself and unleash my creativity. I’m excited to keep using coloured pencils and creating more wonderful artworks. I pray that God blesses you so much.
Ayikalo James
Age: 12
Class: Primary Four
School: Katwe Central Primary School
Location: Katwe, Kampala
Hello, I’m James, and I’m in Primary Four. Let me tell you, I absolutely love art! It’s so much fun! Creating beautiful things brings me so much joy. Whether it’s drawing, painting, or anything else, I’m always excited to express myself through art. One of my favourite things I’ve learned in art class is how to draw and shade a football using patterns, shapes, and lines. It’s like bringing the game to life on paper! I encourage all my friends at home to come to the art classes just like me. Thank you.
Emuye Stanley
Age: 12
Class: Primary Four
School: Katwe Central Primary School
Location: Katwe, Kampala
Bio: My name is Emuye Stanley, and I’m 12 years old. I’m in Primary Four, and let me tell you, I absolutely love art! It’s my passion. Through these art classes, I’ve made some awesome new friends. Drawing and shading are my favourites. I’ve learned how to create amazing artwork by adding depth and dimension with shading. It’s like bringing my drawings to life! Art has become a big part of who I am. It allows me to express myself and show my creativity. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and creating more fantastic art pieces. I thank my parents for allowing me to join the art class every Saturday.
Sserunjoji Rayan
Age: 12
Class: Primary Four
School: Katwe Central Primary School
Location: Katwe, Kampala
Bio: Hey, I’m Sserunjoji Rayan, and I’m 12 years old. I live in Katwe, and I attend Katwe Central Primary School. In our art classes, we learn to draw and also get to have a meal together. It’s like a special treat during our art sessions. I love art because of this, and my friends do too. Art brings us together, and it’s so much fun to create and express ourselves. Drawing, painting, and making art make us happy. I’m grateful for this opportunity to learn and enjoy art with my friends. Thank you so much for everything.
Mugagga Swaibu
Age: 12
Class: Primary Six
School: Katwe Central Primary School
Location: Katwe, Kampala
Bio: Hello, it’s me, Mugagga Swaibu! I’m 12 years old and I live in Katwe. Guess what? I go to Katwe Primary School and let me tell you why I love art! In our awesome art class, I’ve learned something super cool. I’ve learned how to keep our home clean by collecting stuff like water bottles and straws. Every Saturday, we bring them to our art class and use them to make the coolest artwork ever. It makes my mom so happy, and now, my little sis comes to the art classes too! Art is my absolute favourite because it lets me be myself and show off my creativity. I love drawing, painting, and using all sorts of recycled things to make art. It’s like
magic! I’m really grateful for this amazing art class and all the things I’ve learned. Thank you so much.
Dilisa Mulinzi
Age: 9
Class: Primary Two
School: Katwe Central Primary School
Location: Katwe, Kampala
Bio: Hi everyone, I’m Dilisa Mulinzi, a 9-year-old student in Primary Two from Katwe. I love art! The art classes I attend mean so much to me. I’ve learned how to use coloured pencils to shade and paint. It’s been super fun! I even learned to make dolls from banana fibre. My mom was really happy when I showed her the doll I made. Making new friends like Swaib and Remigious in art class has been great too. I’m grateful for these classes and excited to keep learning and creating more amazing art! Thank you for being a part of my artistic journey!
One person cannot change the world
but YOU can change the world for one person.