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Since 2019, we have proudly hosted seven Master’s students from Utrecht University for internships at our organization. As part of their internship, they have each conducted invaluable research on the impact of our programs and the situation of young people in Kibera. Their findings not only help us understand our successes but also highlight areas for improvement and shed light on the challenges faced by our program participants.

Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, they have taken the time to interact with the young people we work with and understand their perspectives. They have also reviewed best practices and key theories that place our work in a broader context. This information has been instrumental in shaping our programs and ensuring that they effectively meet the community’s needs.

Key Themes from the Research

1. What We Are Doing Well: Many program participants have shared how our programs have positively impacted their lives, helping them gain skills, confidence, and opportunities to earn income.

“An improvement in self-efficacy was highlighted when participants discussed their situation after joining Uweza Foundation. One of the scholarship students stated: ‘After I joined Uweza, everything started to become uniform. I could wear shoes and wear clothes that are not torn. I can dress up and show myself to people.’ 88% of participants from the scholarship group expressed positive emotions in their current situation through their drawings, annotating ‘hopeful with a good plan’ and ‘happy.’


A Two Way Street. Empowerment Defined through the Perspective of Youth at Uweza Foundation,
Dana Alajaji, 2019

2. Areas for Improvement: While there are many successes, the research has also highlighted ways we can improve.  These insights guide us in refining our initiatives to better serve the community.

“While all participants acknowledged the effectiveness of the current program in acquiring life skills through various pathways, the majority expressed a strong desire for additional, more intentional life skills training. Such desire tapped into specific needs and challenges faced by the young women in Kibera: “They should improve the life skills; we really need life skills more”. Participants expressed that they desire life skills training to involve sexual (reproductive) health education, entrepreneurship, problem resolution, vocational training, and financial literacy. Additionally, participants emphasized the importance of practical skills that could empower them to navigate socio-economic barriers and pursue diverse career pathways.”

Examining the Role of Uweza’s Soccer Academy on Life Skills and Empowerment Among Young Women in Kibera, Kenya, Isold Kloppers, 2024

3. Understanding Context: The students’ research emphasizes the larger context affecting young people in Kibera, including socio-economic factors, cultural influences, and systemic issues. By exploring these dynamics, we can tailor our programs to address the root causes of the challenges they face and create more effective, holistic solutions.

Stigma carries significant implications, including the fear of discussing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR)-related topics, as it generates feelings of shame, guilt, and social isolation…This was evident among youth in Kibera, with most participants expressing discomfort when discussing SRHR matters with their parents or guardians. A culture of silence prevails, leading young individuals to keep questions about sex to themselves, resulting in uninformed SRHR decisions.

Sexual Reproductive Health Services and Rights (SRHR) from the Perspective of Youth Growing Up in Kibera, Nairobi, Britte Kloppers, 2023

4. Community Engagement: It has always been important to us to involve our program participants in program design and development. Engaging directly with young people allows us to create more relevant and impactful solutions.

“With regard to their safety at [Uweza Art Gallery], the participants described the UAG as “very safe,” “a good place,” and “a place of growth.” One participant stated: “people of my age, instead of making paintings, they are doing drugs. Because they don’t have anything to do. Because they don’t have work. Me, because I have a talent, I can come here, do art and be safe.”

Exploring the Contribution of Art Programs on Positive Youth Development: Through the Eyes of Uweza ArtistsD.S. Oegema, 2024

We are grateful to all the interns for their time and effort in conducting high-quality research that enables us to learn and grow. For a deeper dive into their findings, visit our Research page here

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