This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On Tuesday, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta visited the Ghetto Classics program at St. John's Catholic Church in Korogocho, Nairobi County, where she challenged Kenyans to spearhead the implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of the youth and children.
She emphasized the need to amplify social development interventions that nurture and develop children's talents, reaching out to many children and youth across the country.
Founded in 2009 by the Art of Music Foundation, Ghetto Classics has expanded to several counties, benefiting over 1,500 children and youth. The program provides music and art education, as well as life skills, to over 300 children in Korogocho.
First Lady Kenyatta praised the initiative, saying, 'This bold program is one that should be amplified. What remains is for us all to support and remain committed to such programmes so that they can reach many more children across the country.'
She noted that Ghetto Classics has empowered the youth and children by nurturing their music and art talents, enabling them to cope with life. The First Lady also commended the program for providing every child with a chance to experience the power and promise of education and the opportunity to make the most of their talents.
First Lady Kenyatta was accompanied by Sports CS Amb Amina Mohamed, who lauded the Ghetto Classics children and youth program, saying it goes beyond developing artistic talents to include building self-confidence, discipline, and nurturing a spirit of teamwork.
Elizabeth Njoroge, the founder of the initiative, acknowledged the challenge by the First Lady to expand the initiative further and asked for more financial support from partners and well-wishers to take care of the growing number of children and youth interested in joining the initiative.
