Art Education for Youth / Rural community outreach program
The art education program for youth will assist in the development and appreciation of local art and African culture and encourage the growth of creativity as a viable method of self-sustainability. This work grew out of a decade of work by Camille Wekesa at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. School children engaged in art education with the focus being the awareness, protection & preservation of landscapes and nature through creative methods will be the focus of the Foundation’s efforts.
Artist in Residence
Professional artists being supported through residencies in Nanyuki. The visiting professional artists are all looking for a quiet space to do their work, experiment with new processes, reflect, read or prepare for an upcoming exhibition. The time is theirs to use to further their creativity. They have access to an extensive art library and are invited by the host for dinners to socialize, discuss their work and exchange ideas with all those living on the property.
Conservation Activities
The Orkedi Foundation believes it is critical to pass on environmental awareness through art education and going forward, will be involving children and local community members in tree planting, basic conservation practices.
The education programs led by the artists will assist in expanding knowledge on art and the natural world through simple artistic and environmental activities like tree planting and recycling of materials in the art program for local community organizations and children in the surrounding community.
These two initiatives will assist in helping youth see that art, creativity and issues related to the environment can be combined to find common non-conventional solutions to the environment and also lead to awareness and solutions regarding better environmental stewardship through creative programs.
The Orkedi Foundation will partner and support all those looking to support environmental initiatives, including being a founding member of the Ontulii Primates Protection community based organization, with young people, private conservancies in the area such as Lewa Conservancy and The William Holden Trust among many others.