MISSION
A Documentary Centre for photographers, photojournalists, writers and storytellers learning the effective ways of telling their stories through workshops, exhibitions, and networking.
HISTORY
The initial activities we did was a series of photojournalism training led by Gordwin Odhiambo, a photographer and photojournalist born in Kibera, Nairobi.
'Having attended several workshops and masterclasses in storytelling, I wanted to share the knowledge I learned with the community who might not get opportunities to attend the trainings', Gordwin.
With the space provided by the Human Needs Project in Kibera, we've increased our activities around documentary photography, photojournalism, and writing workshops in Kibera slums.
In 2018, the first pioneer group (15 students) finished their basic and advanced classes that was partially sponsored by Nikon Kenya.
Since then, we've been able to train more than 30 members, some of whom have gone on to establish their names in the industry
COMMUNITY
Kibera Documentary Center is an accessible, community-oriented training and artist development space located at Kibera Town Center in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Kibera is a proud home to many people (cultures) from around the nation and the East African region including Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
To serve the Kibera community, the Kibera Documentary Center avails local workshops and discussions through photography, film, writing, and other artistic events. KDC also provides access to exhibitions and screenings, all the while being fully rooted in the concerns and needs of everyone involved.
Additionally, the KDC not only welcomes Kibera residents but also promotes programs that empower the neighboring communities to tell their own stories. By carving out a unique art space, the KDC seeks to encourage everyone to participate in its vibrant culture.
WHAT WE DO / WHY KDC
We wanted to curate a creative community to learn and grow with on ways of telling our stories better. We aim to impart relevant storytelling knowledge and avail opportunities to local artists both upcoming and established.
We are dedicated to creating insight, community, and understanding through photography and multimedia storytelling. Over the past four years, we've managed to train over 30 creatives and some of them have gone on to establish their names in the industry.
Girls and women form 25% of the trainees.
The students have been able to curate portfolios that show active interaction with the communities they serve. Their works are being recognized by both local and international media industry experts. 'I wanted to share opportunities that many couldn't have access to, being able to be trained by world-class photographers and filmmakers' Odhiambo.
ABOUT KIBERA
Located in Nairobi, Kenya 'Kibera' derived from a Nubian word meaning ‘forest’ or ‘jungle’, is Africa's biggest informal settlement.
Kibera is a vibrant but densely populated place. To survive, the majority of households rely on casual labor, such as washing clothes, to pay for rent, food, and other essentials With the majority already living in extreme poverty.
Population growth and rural-urban migration fuelled by displacement caused by conflict, natural disasters, and climate change have meant an increase in population in the informal settlements
Further, the scarce resources available and shared among the huge population exclude people living in the slums from urban opportunities.
