slum boy paints his way to recognition

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.