This year marks the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, where 179 governments adopted a landmark Programme of Action which set out to empower women and girls for their sake, and for the benefit of their families, communities and nations.

Sauti ya Mtaa, literally ‘Voices from the Streets,’ is a project of Mtaani Initiative and is supported by Making All Voices Count. It is aimed at empowering Kenyans by fostering a culture of change through citizen journalism, arts, and political activism.

Ghetto Classics is the flagship programme from the Art of Music Foundation. Established in 2008, it is a community music programme where we use music education to provide the youth with opportunities to better themselves and their community. We do this by instilling in them the life skills that come with the discipline of studying the Art of Music. Our programme also provides them with income generating opportunities.

Mathare North Area residents for the first time on Wednesday, 22nd April 2015, tasted a bite of Sauti Ya Mtaa graffiti on a section of the expansive Drive Inn Primary school wall. Graffiti in the area has been elusive for a long time. Aides of the area MCA, Oscar Lore, had earlier been approached to help securing the social hall wall but their leader, Owish, adamantly refused and subsequently avoided responding to any further requests and discussion on the matter. They said the wall was built by the MCA and therefore he had to authorize for any form of graffiti on it. Truth is however, the wall was built using tax money collected from the locals and it was just a matter of time before it could be built. When contacted, the Ward Administrator said there was no problem regarding the proposed art work and that he was not opposed to it.

Education and training remain the bedrock for human empowerment, inclusive prosperity and progressive development. However, this education has to be accessed by all, under all circumstances, including refugees and displaced persons; it must be of highest possible quality, included well equipped and motivated teachers; and must be aligned to continental aspirations and expectations as articulated in Agenda 2063.