Programmes
Seven
pathways
from
creativity to
opportunity
From performing arts to digital storytelling to global exchange — every Nafsi programme is built around the same idea: young people creating their own futures.
Talent · Confidence · Livelihoods
Performing Arts
Through weekly training across our community centres, performing arts become a path to confidence, discipline, teamwork and self-expression. Children and young people discover their talents, build stagecraft and create work they perform locally and internationally — turning art into opportunity and, for many, a livelihood.
- Dance
- Music
- Acrobatics
- Circus
- Theatre
- Percussion
- Yoga
- Visual Arts
Children · Communities · Mentorship
Outreach Project
The Outreach Project engages children and young adults in dance, music and acrobatics across Babadogo, Kibera, Kivuli Centre, Kariobangi, Glad Kids Community School and Dagoretti Corner Education Centre. Weekly workshops and holiday activities build self-esteem, talent and teamwork — diverting young people from the challenges of slum life toward end-year performances and, for some, a creative livelihood. The project is supported by Per Agnese in Rome, Italy.
- Dance
- Music
- Acrobatics
- Mentorship
- Talent Development
Flagship digital-media initiative
Tangaza on Smartphone
Tangaza is a flagship initiative of Nafsi Africa. It offers training in film shooting, video editing and content production, giving participants tools to amplify their voices, advocate for change and access the creative economy. Since its inception Tangaza has reached and empowered 208 young people and aims to impact many more by the end of 2026. Participants produce content that raises awareness on climate change, gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals. A cornerstone of the project is NaiWave Studios. Tangaza is supported by Spor Media and funded by CISU.
- Smartphone filmmaking
- Photography
- Video editing
- Podcasting
- Digital storytelling
- SDG advocacy
Podcasts · Online radio · Youth voices
Studio Project
The Studio Project is a community media and peacebuilding initiative creating a positive space for young people in Kenya to connect, share ideas and engage in constructive conversations. In a politically charged environment, the project uses media, storytelling, podcasts and digital content to promote peace, resilience, tolerance and dialogue—encouraging Kenyans to engage with one another respectfully regardless of their political or ideological affiliations. The Studio also brings positive energy to the airwaves by creating conversations around issues that matter to young people, including employment and livelihoods, relationships, mental wellbeing, civic education and participation, and everyday life. Through these conversations, the project aims to counter divisive messaging, encourage critical thinking and strengthen young people's confidence to participate positively in society. The project is implemented by Nafsi Africa in partnership with Spor Media, Denmark, with support from CISU – Civil Society in Development, Denmark.
- Podcasts
- Online radio
- Interviews
- Mental health
- Social justice
- Personal development
Cultural exchange · Since 2020
Global Stay Tours
Launched in 2020 in response to the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Global Stay Tours (GST) bridges the gap created by halted travel and interrupted school programmes. Using digital media and live video conferencing, it connects young people from Kenya with peers across Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Denmark, Bolivia, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Norway and Austria to exchange culture and collaborate on discussions around the Sustainable Development Goals. GST also creates opportunities for participants to earn a livelihood while engaging in meaningful global conversations.
- Cultural exchange
- Digital dialogue
- SDGs
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Livelihoods
Climate Activism · Art · Environment
Mazingira: Creative Climate Action
Mazingira — Swahili for “environment” — is Nafsi’s creative response to the climate crisis. Building on Tangaza’s track record of climate storytelling, young people use theatre, dance, music, murals, recycled-material art and smartphone film to raise awareness and spark environmental action in Nairobi’s informal settlements — the communities that feel the effects of climate change first. From performances and community dialogues to youth-made documentaries on local environmental issues, this direction turns young creators into climate voices, proving that creativity can move communities where facts alone cannot.
- Climate storytelling
- Environmental theatre
- Recycled-material art
- Community dialogues
- Youth climate advocacy
- SDG 13 action
Skills · Mentorship · Leadership
Youth Empowerment
Across arts, media and exchange, Nafsi nurtures creative, resilient and socially conscious young leaders. Youth Empowerment brings together talent development, advocacy and mentorship so that young people are not only changing their own lives but positively impacting their communities and the world.
- Talent development
- Advocacy
- Mentorship
- Leadership
- Creative livelihoods
Your support creates opportunity
Art becomes confidence. Confidence becomes change.
Your support helps create a safe space where a young person can discover talent, develop skills and see a different future. Give once, or give monthly.