Youth Through the Lens: Nixon Photography Empowerment in Kibera

In the heart of Mashimoni, a vibrant yet underserved neighbourhood within Kibera slum in Nairobi, passionate educator Nixon is transforming young lives through the power of photography.

A Bridge to Creativity

The journey begins from the Langata highway, crossing into Kibera and arriving at the locally known “Mashimoni Daraja” (Mashimoni Bridge). This spot, tucked under the structure of a busy overpass, serves as Nixon’s open-air classroom. Amid the noise of passing vehicles and Nairobi’s intense sun, something beautiful is happening: young minds are discovering the art of visual storytelling.

Meet Nixon: Mentor, Teacher, Visionary

Nixon, a graduate of the Saudi School of Media, didn’t walk away from his roots after finishing school. Instead, he came back to Kibera with a mission: empower children through photography. Every Saturday, he dedicates his time to teaching photography to local kids — all for free.

His approach is refreshingly hands-on. He introduces his students to fundamental concepts like white balance, ISO, blur, and the rule of thirds. The children get to practice with a camera, often sharing a single device among fifty students. They make mistakes, they try again, and they learn.

“When you teach by doing with them, they learn faster,” Nixon says.

Learning Beyond the Lens

Nixon’s classes are more than technical lessons. They instill patience, discipline, and confidence. For many of the children, this is their first encounter with a camera. They take portraits, experiment with landscapes, and learn how to frame shots. The results may not always be perfect, but the joy and curiosity are unmistakable.

These sessions are held under the umbrella of the Angaza Foundation, a local community initiative focused on youth and women empowerment. Besides photography, weekends at Angaza include dance, drama, music, and mentorship talks. It’s a holistic space for growth, welcoming youth of all religions and backgrounds.

The Challenges They Face

Like many grassroots projects, Nixon’s program has its hurdles:

• Limited equipment: Just one camera serves all the students.
• Outdoor learning risks: The bridge location exposes students to sun, noise, and traffic.
• Time constraints: Classes must end by 4 PM to keep kids safe and rested.

Despite these challenges, Nixon’s passion keeps the project alive. But with more support, the program could reach even greater heights.

How You Can Help

If you have old or unused media equipment — cameras, smartphones, microphones, or laptops — consider donating them to Angaza Foundation. Each tool adds immense value to a child’s learning experience.

Mentorship, publicity, or even spreading the word on social media can also go a long way in sustaining and expanding this initiative.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about taking good photos. It’s about giving children a voice, a skill, and a sense of agency. Nixon believes that from these humble beginnings, tomorrow’s photojournalists, creatives, and storytellers will emerge.

The classroom may be under a bridge, but the vision reaches far beyond. These kids aren’t just learning how to shoot photos — they’re learning how to see the world, and more importantly, how to be seen.

Want to support Nixon’s work or learn more? Reach out to Angaza Foundation or visit their weekend programs in Mashimoni, Kibera.