Our Program

We use art as a tool for learning, healing, and community connection in Homa Bay County, western Kenya.

What We Do

Art Labs

Dedicated creative spaces in schools equipped with basic art materials.

Art Classes & Workshops

Painting, drawing, printmaking, mask-making, and environmental art.

Teacher Training

Practice-based learning at Mahwego Polytechnic: guided observation, hands-on art-making with children, pedagogy instruction, and creating integrated art curricula for employment readiness.

Student-Teacher Programme

Connecting local universities to rural schools for sustained impact.

Art for Empowerment

Girls' clubs blending menstrual health education with creative self-expression.

Community Exhibitions

Transforming school walls into vibrant cultural stories through murals.

Our Curriculum

Structured 2-week intensive workshops designed to unlock creativity and build artistic skills.

2-week intensive workshops per school
3-4 weeks per site (approximately 2 months total)
Elementary School Workshop

Week 1

  • Introduction to lines and contour drawing
  • Self-portrait with facial proportions
  • Color theory: primary and secondary colors
  • Plate creation and printing techniques

Week 2

  • Watercolor painting techniques
  • Banner making with animal and flower designs
  • Fabric transfer process
  • Complete banner painting with tempera and watercolor
Middle School Workshop

Week 1

  • Self-portrait with facial proportions
  • Border design with African geometric patterns
  • Monochromatic and polychromatic prints
  • Color theory and composition

Week 2

  • Printmaking and collagraph creation
  • Mask making inspired by Maasai, Igbo, and Oma cultures
  • Plaster gauze sculpture techniques
  • Painting large areas and details

Art Techniques Taught

Contour DrawingSelf-PortraitsColor TheoryPrintmaking (Mono & Polychromatic)Banner MakingWatercolor PaintingMask MakingPlaster SculptureFabric TransferCollagraph Creation

Teacher Training Program

A practice-based learning model at Mahwego Polytechnic Institute designed to build pedagogical and creative capacity.

4-Phase Training Approach
1

Guided Observation

Watching art instruction with children to understand effective teaching methods.

2

Hands-On Art-Making

Practicing art techniques alongside children to develop practical skills.

3

Pedagogy Instruction

Formal training in educational theory and arts education methodology.

4

Curriculum Development

Creating comprehensive integrated art curricula as a portfolio artifact for employment.

Program Outcomes

  • Practical teaching skills
  • Theoretical foundation in arts education
  • Portfolio artifacts for employment
  • Locally informed curricula contribution

Community Exhibitions

Public celebrations at the conclusion of each project, bringing together students, families, local dignitaries, and education professionals.

St. Peter's Disii School Exhibition

Students performed traditional dances alongside their artwork displays, celebrating cultural heritage through visual and performing arts.

Distinguished Guests:

  • Ms. Caroline Olwal, School Director
  • Chief Mr. Emmah Malela
  • Homa Bay Sub-county Director of Education
  • Teachers from Roba & Nyanguu Primary Schools
Obuya Comprehensive School Exhibition

"Children of the Earth - Make Art in Kenya" themed exhibition featuring student portraits and collaborative artwork.

Distinguished Guests:

  • Mr. John Agutu, Headmaster
  • Mr. Silas Abongo, Deputy Headmaster
  • Mr. Stephen Misori, Bloombells Charity
  • Mr. Anthony Omollo, Mahwego Girls Secondary

Hand-delivered invitations and posters ensure strong community engagement. These exhibitions transform school spaces into vibrant cultural celebrations.

Schools We Serve

Our program has expanded to 7 schools across Homa Bay County, including a teacher training institute.

Obuya Comprehensive School
Kamingusa Village
97 Students
Grades 8-11

Children show remarkable talent in creative arts despite poverty and hunger.

St. Peter's Disii Mixed Secondary School
Homa Bay Town
167 Students
Grades 9-12

High motivation among youth; teachers eager to integrate art in the curriculum. Classes separated by gender.

Nyanguu Comprehensive School
Homa Bay County
45 Students
9th Grade

New partner school joining the program with enthusiastic students.

Roba Comprehensive School
Homa Bay County
40 Students
9th Grade

Rural school with students eager to explore creative expression.

Mahwego Polytechnic Institute
Homa Bay County
15 Teachers
Teacher Training

Practice-based learning model: guided observation, hands-on art-making with children, pedagogy instruction, and developing integrated art curricula for employment readiness.

Ogande Girls Secondary School
Homa Bay County
300 Students
Grades 9-12

Strong focus on girls' empowerment through art and creative expression.

Nyabondo Boys Secondary School
Homa Bay County
200 Students
Grades 9-12

Boys developing confidence and communication skills through art workshops.

Gradual scale-up to 10 schools by 2027

Our Impact

Measuring our progress from pilot results toward 2026 targets.

Students Reached
864/ 4000 target
Teachers Trained
23/ 50 target
Schools Engaged
7/ 10 target
Attendance Increase
4%/ 5% target
Participation Increase
25%/ 30% target
Girls' Absenteeism Reduction
12%/ 20% target

Use of Funds

Minimum budget for 2026: $24,541 USD

Art materials & supplies
$4,607

Paints, papers, tools, brushes

On-site logistics
$1,834

Local transport, accommodation, coordination

Administration & communication
$3,100

Reporting, printing, local coordination

Training & personal costs
$12,000

Workshops, supervision, facilitation

Partnerships & contingency
$3,000

Local NGO support, teacher stipends

Total Budget$24,541

Our Partners

Children of the Earth (USA & Global)
Homa Bay County Department of Education
Bloombells Charity
Homabay Art Resource Centre
Kenya National Commission for UNESCO
GoDown Arts Centre & Kuona Trust

Support Our Mission

Supporting Hidden Genius means helping a generation of Kenyan children see themselves as artists, thinkers, and future makers.