Art for Children Foundation (A4C) closed the year with a vibrant, heart-warming children’s art event that brought together over 180 children from various children’s homes and community centres across Nakuru County. The day was filled with creativity, performances, learning, and important conversations on child protection — all aligned to A4C’s mission of building a child-violence-free community through art and mentorship.
The event kicked off with breakfast, giving children, caregivers, guests, and volunteers a warm welcome. Despite an unexpected moment of rain, creativity continued uninterrupted. The children eagerly participated in a collaborative canvas painting, a symbolic activity that taught them teamwork, shared purpose, and the joy of creating something bigger than themselves.
One of the highlight sessions was facilitated by guest art instructor Mr. Mbatia Karanja from Nakuru, who introduced the children to the unique technique of painting on canvas using coffee. Coffee, a drink enjoyed in homes, offices, and on the streets of Kenya, became a tool for artistic expression — reminding everyone how art connects culture, identity, and diversity.
The event also featured lively performances in music, dance, poetry, and martial arts, showcasing talents that children have developed throughout the year under the NACAMP project. Through NACAMP’s regular mentorship visits to children’s homes, A4C uses guided art experiences to help children express themselves, build skills, and communicate emotions that are often difficult to put into words. This end-of-year event serves as the annual platform for children to display the talents they’ve discovered and sharpened — and to be heard through art.
Celebrating Excellence and Unity
This year’s collaborative art competition was won by Shalom Gate Home. Beyond taking home a canvas painted by over 100 children, they carried a piece filled with love, joy, and collective expression. The home also impressed the audience by confidently reciting over 10 Bible verses, delivered in both English and Kiswahili — earning them warm applause and admiration.
Equally powerful was the moment guests and caregivers stood together for a dance. The presence of visitors from Kenya, the United States of America, and the Netherlands highlighted the global commitment toward child protection. Standing shoulder to shoulder, they reinforced the message that unity and diversity are at the heart of safeguarding children.
A Working Lunch: Planning the Future Together
During lunch, A4C’s Founder and Projects Coordinator shared a meal with guests and caregivers — and held an open feedback session. They discussed how future events and projects can be improved, listened to suggestions, and celebrated shared wins from the year.
Founder Kenn also outlined A4C’s major goals for the year 2026, a monumental year as the organisation prepares to celebrate 10 years of community impact since its establishment in July 2016.
Some of the key announcements included:
1. A 10-County Scooter Ride for Child Protection Awareness
In April 2026, during the school holiday, Kenn will ride his scooter across 10 counties to raise awareness on child protection, using art as the medium for advocacy. The public will be invited to follow and support the journey online.
2. Launch of an A4C Endowment Fund
As part of the 10-year celebrations, Kenn invited partners, supporters, and the community to contribute to a social-media-driven fundraising campaign to establish an endowment fund for A4C’s projects. This 6-month long campaign begins in January 2026 and runs through out to July 2026.
3. Introduction of a New Sub-Project Under HISANA
A new component under the HISANA Project will officially launch in July 2026, enhancing A4C’s capacity to support children through art-based psychosocial interventions and community protection strategies.
Why This Event Matters
The annual art event is more than a celebration — it is a critical pillar of the NACAMP project. Throughout the year, teams of A4C Volunteers visit children’s homes, using art and mentorship to identify strengths, uncover concerns, and support emotional expression. The end-of-year event then becomes the safe space where these children showcase their growth, build confidence, and express themselves freely.
In a world where many children struggle with silence imposed by circumstances, art provides a canvas where their voices can finally be seen, felt, and understood.
As A4C steps into a landmark 10th year, the organisation remains committed to nurturing children’s creativity, strengthening community partnerships, and advocating tirelessly for a child-violence-free society — one brushstroke, one performance, and one child at a time.
