When Peter was ten years old, both of his parents died leaving him and his two younger brothers orphaned. The boys went to live with their uncle, yet the uncle mistreated them, forcing his nephews to drop out of school and work on his farm. Fortunately Peter’s grandfather stepped in at that point and took this grandsons to live with him in Mombasa, Kenya. They re-enrolled in school, but were constantly strapped financially with the mounting cost of school fees. It was then that Peter
banded together with some of his schoolmates and founded the 'Vikwatani
Talent Awareness' youth group.
At
first the group met at their school in an empty classroom after school hours.
The members were mostly boys in the beginning, yet over time girls joined the
group as well and it expanded in size. With the support of their peers, the
young men and women realized that they possessed various natural talents. Some
could act, others could dance, and a few could sing. There were even those who
had learned acrobatics stunts growing up, and they now utilized these skills
within the context of the group. Talent Awareness began performing for small audiences in their
community, and eventually their reputation grew. Outside organizations
including OAIC-Kenya Chapter started supporting the group through financial
means, and with these resources the members were able to rent a small office
independent of their school. Now they hold their weekly meetings at their office
headquarters and use the office’s yard as a rehearsal space.
Members of 'Talent Awareness' performing a skit.
Since
its foundation, the Talent Awareness youth
group has been highly successful.
Its members are dedicated to their rehearsals, performances, and to one
another. They thank OAIC-K and other supportive organizations for their
encouragement and advice along the way. Above all else, Talent
Awareness has restored confidence among the
youth. Most members, like Peter, are orphans who have faced severe
marginalization in the past. Yet the group has empowered these young men and
women to realize their personal abilities, and to take action in order to
improve their own lives as well as the lives of those around them.
Organization of African Instituted Churches
P. O. Box 21736-00505, Ngong Rd., Nairobi , Kenya
Tel: +254-20-3870356 / 3860830
Website: www.oaic.org
, E-mail: admin@oaic.org
Members of 'Talent Awareness' performing a skit. 
