MWELU FOUNDATION

The Mwelu Foundation is dedicated to projects for children and young people living in the slums of Nairobi's Mathare Valley. Its founder, Julius Mwelu, introduces and trains some 70 children and young people in photography, while ensuring that they attend school regularly. The Foundation has also set up a library and a workspace where young people can take time out to do their homework. The Mwelu Foundation is therefore carrying out a range of activities aimed at improving young people's livelihoods by developing their essential life skills. The young people use photography and video to describe their daily lives and communicate their problems and hopes to the outside world.

To further professionalise its training offer, the Mwelu Foundation has become an active member of the ASMO (Alliance of Slum Media Organisations) network. The network enables members to exchange resources and expertise more easily, and to fine-tune their course programmes more effectively.

The photo book Julius Mwelu & the Mwelu Foundation / Nairobifrom the [Africalia Editions photo]presents around a hundred testimonies from these hunters of images and dreams.

The Mwelu Foundation also worked with the Kuruka Maisha Foundation on the production of the documentary Ni Kuruka Maisha - Jumping into Lifereleased in March 2014.

Programme 2017-2021: Africalia contributes to the costs of management staff, training activities and exhibitions.