by chacha
From rags to a professional artist, Adam Masava has surely
come a long way.
He has traveled far and wide showcasing his marvelous
artistic skills through exhibitions both locally and abroad.
He has cut a niche’ for himself in the art industry.
Having grown up in the Mukuru-Mariguini slum, he knows
exactly what the slum youths are going through and the kind of life awaiting
them if they are not mentored and their talents well nurtured.
“Growing up in the
slums is no easy. For most youths even getting food to eat is a challenge. You
are always tempted to do all sorts of negative things to make ends meet. I have
succeeded because of this community that’s why I don’t want to bear a guilty
conscience of not doing anything to bring a positive change,” he says.
Through his vast skills and experience in the art of drawing
and painting, he has devoted his precious time to give back to the community
that made him a professional artist by teaching the youths the art of drawing
and painting.
“I want to help these young slum children realize and
utilize their talents. It’s also a way of making them busy hence prevent them
of engaging in negative activities,” he continues.
Adam works voluntarily but the art materials and stationary
are provided for by a non-governmental organization known as Good Neighbors and
Deti Mukuru an organization in Slovakia.
The art classes take place at Mariakani Primary School from
9:00 am to 1pm and at the end of the classes the children go home with a packet
of milk.
Giving them refreshments after classes is a way of
encouraging them to attend classes regularly and take their lessons seriously.
Given the low standards of living in this area, He faces a
mountain task of accommodating all the children in this populated Mukuru slums.
“Honestly it’s a massive challenge for me when it comes to
enrollment because you don’t want to lock some children out but at the end of
the day the inevitable has to be done as I can only accommodate 60 children for
the 3 months. This is due to lack of enough funds and man power.” he laments.
At the moment Adam works with only one other volunteer from
the slum to cater for the 60 children.
The greatest challenge that Adam faces is lack of an art
club that will continue to nurture and horn the talents of these youngsters
after the 3 months of training are due.
“If only we could establish an art club then for sure these
children will never go to bed hungry as they would be able to exhibit their art
work to a larger audience and sell it. That’s why am appealing to any well
wisher out there to come and join hands with us and make these children realize
their dreams.” he concludes.
