MCE Art Camp April 2026

By Seth Luchemos – IA Kenya Director

The Mathare Children’s Education (MCE) Art Camp was held from April 6-10 under the theme ‘Made for More.’ The camp brought together 50 students for a week of creative learning, personal growth, and skills development. The program was designed to nurture talent, build confidence, and help students discover their purpose through artistic expression and mentorship.

Students participated in seven different creative classes: Art & Crafts, Music, Dance, Fashion & Design, Hairdressing, Photography & Videography, and a newly introduced DJ class. Each class was facilitated by experienced mentors who guided students through hands-on activities and learning experiences.

Music

The music class focused on keyboard playing, songwriting, and vocal training. Most students were beginners, yet they showed remarkable progress within a short time. By the end of the camp, they were able to play a song and compose an original piece inspired by the theme ‘Made for More’ with the support of their mentors.

Art & Crafts

Students explored various creative techniques including frame making, beginner mosaic art, portrait development, abstract painting, and face painting. The class encouraged creativity and self-expression through different artistic mediums.

Dance

Participants developed a dance routine that creatively expressed the theme ‘Made for More.’ The process helped build confidence, teamwork, and performance skills.

Fashion & Design

The fashion class focused on professional wear and African-inspired designs. Students created impressive pieces that reflected creativity, cultural appreciation, and attention to detail.

Hairdressing

Students learned practical skills such as hairstyling techniques, hair washing, and conditioning. The class helped build confidence and introduced students to professional grooming practices.

Photography & Videography

This class focused on script writing, video recording, and editing. Students worked together to create a skit, which they successfully recorded and edited, demonstrating teamwork and storytelling skills.

DJ Class (New)

The newly introduced DJ class provided students with a hands-on experience in DJing. It generated excitement and strong interest, showing great potential for growth in future camps.

Each day included a structured devotional session aligned with the theme ‘Made for More.’ The sessions covered: Made with Purpose, Made in God’s Image, Made to Shine, Made to Overcome, and Made for Impact. These sessions helped students understand their identity, build confidence, and reflect on how they can use their gifts to make a positive difference.

The camp concluded with a final showcase attended by parents and friends. Each class presented their work, including performances, exhibitions, and demonstrations. The turnout of parents was higher compared to previous showcases, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to their children to learn and express their creativity.

The MCE Art Camp 2026 successfully empowered 50 students with creative and practical skills. It fostered confidence, teamwork, and self-expression while providing a safe and supportive environment for growth. Students were able to discover and develop their talents and gain a deeper understanding of their purpose.

Building on the success of this year’s camp, we are committed to sustaining and deepening this impact. Once schools reopen, we will continue with monthly weekend classes to keep the fire burning. These sessions will provide continuous mentorship, skill development, and creative engagement, ensuring that students consistently grow, refine their talents, and translate their creativity into long-term personal and community impact.

We sincerely thank our donors, partners, and facilitators for making this camp a success. Your support continues to transform lives and create opportunities for young people to discover their potential and believe that they are truly made for more.