Jain Spirit 2002 10 No 12

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 10

GLOBAL NEWS
STREETWISE IN KENYA
In recent months, we have participated in several art and craft fairs, making our presence strongly felt. From supplying gaily painted miniature pots to Basel Zoo in Switzerland, to painting a mural at the British High Commission in Nairobi, Streetwise is definitely going places and hopefully to the other side of the street.
As Jains born and brought up in Kenya, seeing the poverty levels rise on a daily basis, it is our duty to uplift the standard of living of our countrymen and women. To do nothing about this is himsa (violence). We all donate material things to various projects and charities, feeling we have done our duty. However, I feel that by giving my time and expertise I am able to get a group of people to be self-sufficient.
Jains have been fortunate to acquire a vast array of skills which have in turn made them very successful. If we all decide to share our skills and knowledge and give some time to the less fortunate, we can help change their lives for the better. Apart from the financial benefit, this will also allow people to maintain their dignity. This is in line with our Jain principle of aparigraha, so when I say I feel the same joy and sense of achievement as the painter, you know why..
Sreetwise members at work I can't draw nor paint, and neither about charting a way forward. can my fellow board members, but Although this was often a difficult and when I see this beautifully painted frustrating process, our perseverance candle stick I feel a great sense of paid off. New products, ideas and achievement. Why, you may wonder, marketing strategies were put into place am I so proud if I did not paint it? with regular meetings running late into
Well, it all started a year ago. We the night. With our truly wonderful Jain were approached by Childlife Trust (a 'networking, it took just one phone call charitable organisation) to oversee a to get timber, paints and packaging self-help project called Streetwise, material on credit, at a discount or as a which was on the verge of collapse due donation. This networking, along with to previous mismanagement.
the support from friends and colleagues, Streetwise was started in 1994 as a saw the project on its feet again. non-profit making self-help project The way in which we manage aimed at both offering an alternative life Streetwise is quite unusual, and we to Nairobi's street children and at strongly believe this is the reason why providing a preventative programme to the management is very successful. stop them from getting there in the first There is no hierarchy of Chairperson or place. Initially, it offered art classes to vice chair, and because every member is children from a local rescue centre. Its equal there is no conflict of ego. success enabled it to move into We organised art classes where commercial production and to offer Streetwise members taught fifty basic informal education along with children from privileged backgrounds painting, sewing and carpentry classes. how to paint pots and picture frames. It
Regina Seeds, a local seed was a sheer delight to see a Streetwise company, readily provided Streetwise member patiently teach a six year old with premises at the Nairobi show how to draw a pattern, hold a brush, mix grounds. We immediately moved in colours and varnish a finished pot. This and survived on donations for the next will now become an annual event in our month, courtesy of fellow Jains. calendar where different artistic skills Meanwhile the board members set will be taught.
For further information Contact Rupal Shah rts100@pacificafrica.com
Candlesticks painted by homeless people
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Jain Spirit . September - November 2002
ain Education International 2010_03