An extensive Network that brings together youth organisations, groups and initiatives from the East African region with an aim of; Assisting in Capacity building of youth organisations and their members by organising workshops, trainings and an advisory desk. Organising festivals, Symposiums and clinics that offers youth organisations and their members an avenue where they can learn from one another, share their experiences and exchange skills.Create an on line and print database of youth groups and share it with Funding agencies, developmental organisations, governmental departments, International festivals and art promoters besides connecting it with similar initiatives from other parts of the world. Creating an inclusive and participatory platform that can lobby developmental organisations, local and national governments to prioritise issues that affect young people.
Exploring ways in which young people can engage the arts to earn a descent income. Offering Organisations and developmental initiatives a reliable and extensive network and an avenue to reach and engage young people with their programs. Current membership boasts of 100 members (35 members in Nairobi metropolis, 55 from other parts of Kenya and 10 members joining from Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda) the growing network promises to be the largest and most effective youth art and development platform in East Africa. YADEN in itself empowers young people by giving them a collective voice, a chance to link up with other young people from diverse social, cultural, religious and racial backgrounds at the same time giving focus to developmental issues that affect young people. YADEN also promotes the arts not only as recreational occupation but as a viable income earner and a development intervention medium.
NATIONAL YOUTH ART & DEVELOPMENT DATABASE
A database that includes all the YADEN members categorised by:
- Country and region
- Developmental theme
- Artistic discipline
The data base will be published in:
An interactive online website, and a hardcover, full colour booklet.
KAAF (Kenya Artists Forum & Festival)
An annual Kenyan young artist’s gathering. The yearly event held on first Saturday of May was launched in 2007 with an aim of bringing Kenyan Artists in contact and engagement with players from other spheres of society namely Corporate, Governmental, Media, Diplomatic and Developmental/Funding. By inviting players from other industries young artists get an opportunity to showcase their work, ideas and exchange possibilities on how others can engage and support them in promoting the arts as a viable employment opportunity especially for young people and exploring its potential in intervening in local and National developmental efforts. 2007, the premiere event was held at the Kenya National Theatre and was attended by among other Celtel, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Nation media group and OXFAM GB. Over 15 groups mainly from Nairobi showcased their work. 2008, the event was held at Y-TAP new premises ‘the Liberty Centre’ and was attended by Ministry of Youth and Sports, OXFAMNovib, URAIA, SAFE Kenya and Youth Agenda among others. The event was also called the Peace Concert as a contribution to the national peace, reconciliation and healing efforts. Over 30 groups from Nairobi and its environs showcased their work.
KAEF (Kenya Artists Exchange & Festival)
By bringing artists from different parts of Kenya to learn from one another, exchange experiences and share solutions to their challenges KAEF offers an avenue where Kenya arts can reflect on itself and collectively strategise for the future as a productive industry in the countries economic development on one side and an intervention medium for social, cultural and political development on the other.. The project includes master classes, workshops, seminars and open discussions besides a huge exchange festival where artists from different groups and regions play together and for each other. A chance to celebrate the Kenyan abundant talents and potentialities that arts can offer. KAEF is held every first weekend of August and includes invited guest performers, tutors and facilitators from different parts of the world. 2007, KAEF was held at the Kenya National theatre and was graced by the Minister of Culture and Sports, participating groups included 25 groups from Nairobi, Nakuru, Ruiru and Ngong others were three youth organisations from the Netherlands courtesy of Nationale JeugdRaad (Dutch National Youth Council) as part of an International youth exchange project named ‘Xpress Your Future’ 2008, The project will be held on 1st and 2nd of August at various locations within Nairobi (Mathare/Huruma, Ruiru, Shauri Moyo and kibera) the main event will be held at the Liberty Centre. The event named ‘the Peace Xchange’ will feature four groups from the Netherlands, groups from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda besides over 40 groups from Kenya.
For Organisations to join YADEN they must full fill some criteria and condition that include:
- A group or organisation must have existed at least for a year and demonstrate consistency and sustainability.
- A group or organisation must have an elaborate and democratic structure with at least 30% female representation in key posts (where it is applicable)
- The member must be registered as an NGO, CBO or affiliated to a recognised entity such as a developmental organisation or governmental department.
- A member must be art based with a developmental agenda. - Members must be inclusive and demonstrate open, participatory and collective decision making policy.
- Members must have at least 10 members, clear target audience(s) and developmental theme(s).
YADEN assists organisations to meet these conditions which in itself is capacity building.
XROADS selects the participants within the YADEN members. After the selection the participants are given training before they travel. By having participants from different groups in an exchange tour the experience and lesson learnt are able to be shared with other members, benefiting more groups/organisations. 2007, Participants from three Dutch youth groups toured Kenya, performing and Participating in Exchange program in Ruiru, Ngong, different parts of Nairobi and Nakuru. A Kenyan Group consisting of 17 members drawn from eleven different groups toured the Netherlands touring 4 cities and working with over 5 groups. The exchange program was titled ‘Xpress your Future’ and the main theme was HIV/AIDS.
Desert Africa Acrobats,
Safari Productions,
Kibera Performing Arts,
Destiny Soldiers,
Eagles Africa,
Fanaka Juniour,
Others Productions,
Acoustic Family,
Benearts International,
Ghetto stars,
Wafalme,
Young women initiative Ruiru(YWI),
Banku Africa,
Mwangaza theatre,
Africana Cultural Beats Troupe,
Taffi Dancers,
Jarife Africa,
Waza Africa,
Fahari Africa,
Talking Drums,
Wazaliwa,
Mahau,
Lakeview Initiative,
One Love,
Waizet,
Pim Cat,
Msanii Africa,
Am Worth Defending (AWD),
Slim Coast Entertainment,
Yised,
Amua,
Dakahumas,
Extreme Impact,
Sisqo & The Company,
Siwa Kenya,
Ghetto Girls Acrobats,
African Tumbas,
Nature Girls Acrobats,
Fanaka Theater Arts,
Better Pill Production
