OPUS I FOUNDATION
mwanga.(n) origin: Swahili
The source of illumination.
By empowering impoverished children and young adults through education, we believe overcoming socioeconomic challenges is possible.
ABOUT
The Mwanga Centre is an urban redevelopment project intent upon bringing high-quality education facilities, arts programming and eco-sustainable systems to the community of Korogocho and Dandora, informal settlements of over 1,000,000 urban poor in Nairobi, Kenya.
The current site, St. John's Community Centre, lies on the edge of one of Africa's largest dumpsites, the Dandora Landfill, where its facilities and students of the Ghetto Classics program are exposed to the dangers of spontaneous fire and toxic air pollutants on a daily basis.
With the goal of addressing these problems, Opus 1 and its partners have committed to a total 10-acre transformation of St. John's and a portion of the landfill into an eco-friendly, self-sustaining center for education and cultural enrichment.
WHY THIS MATTERS
A Major Crisis Affecting Over 1 Million People
Just two miles from Nairobi’s bustling center lies Dandora Landfill, a sprawling wasteland that stands as East Africa’s largest and one of the most hazardous in the world. Every day, it absorbs 2,000 tons of trash — an overwhelming mix of household, industrial, hospital, and agricultural waste. This toxic mountain is more than an environmental disaster; it’s a graveyard of health and hope for the thousands who live in its shadow.
Thick, acrid smoke from burning waste fills the air, laced with sulfur, lead, and other heavy metals. The air pollution alone chokes nearby homes, scars lungs, and even contributes to acid rain. Skin diseases plague the community, while toxic chemicals from e-waste poison the environment and the people who have no choice but to endure it.
In the grip of poverty, many residents, including children, scour the landfill for survival — searching for scraps of plastic, bottles, food, or clothes to sell. They work barehanded, exposed to unimaginable risks, in a landscape where lawlessness thrives and danger lurks. For some schoolchildren, the food scraps salvaged from this toxic site become their only meal, a stark symbol of the dire conditions they face daily.
Dandora is not just a landfill; it’s a humanitarian crisis. It’s a place where environmental degradation and social injustice collide, creating a harsh reality that demands urgent attention.
WHAT THIS MEANS
At Opus 1 Foundation, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the arts transform lives. Through our work with Ghetto Classics, we’ve seen students from some of Kenya’s most underserved communities thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, breaking barriers and reimagining their futures. Their success is a testament to the profound impact of nurturing environments that prioritize safety, sustainability, and health.
Research supports what we’ve observed: students in schools designed with green spaces, abundant natural light, and clean air experience a 16% boost in cognitive performance and are 25% more likely to excel in subjects like math and reading. These benefits extend beyond academics. Children who feel safe in their learning spaces are 30% less likely to drop out, report higher emotional well-being, and participate more actively in extracurricular activities.
Moreover, sustainable, healthy environments foster resilience and creativity. Students in such spaces report a 35% increase in life satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and improved attendance rates. For organizations like us these statistics underscore the urgent need to develop spaces that empower children to succeed — not only through arts programs but also by addressing the environmental factors that shape their potential.
When we create safe, sustainable environments, we aren’t just enhancing education; we’re investing in the architects of a brighter, more equitable future. The evidence is clear, and the stakes couldn’t be higher: providing these opportunities is not just an ethical imperative but a transformative force for generations to come.
HOW WE SEE IT
The Mwanga Centre is envisioned as a beacon of sustainable development and community empowerment in East Africa, designed to address critical local and global challenges through an innovative and integrated approach. The new campus is conceived as a four-point compound comprising a vocational education center, arts center, urban farming institute, and several green spaces with recreational fields, creating a holistic environment for learning, creativity, and well-being.
EDUCATION
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the center will offer a range of training programs tailored to meet the needs of the local job market. Courses will include technical skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship, empowering individuals with the tools to achieve economic independence and drive community progress.
ARTS
The arts center will serve as a hub for cultural expression and creative development. It will feature galleries, performance spaces, and workshops, fostering dialogue and unity through diverse art forms. Programming will focus on amplifying local talent, preserving cultural heritage, and using art as a medium for social change.
URBAN FARMING
The urban farming institute will introduce innovative agricultural practices, including hydroponics, vertical farming, and permaculture. It will provide training in sustainable food production, addressing food security while promoting eco-friendly farming methods. This initiative will also create income-generating opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
GREEN SPACES
Designed to foster community well-being, the green spaces and recreational fields will provide a serene and inviting environment for relaxation, sports, and social interaction. These areas will include shaded seating, walking paths, and multipurpose fields for activities such as football, volleyball, and community gatherings. By prioritizing access to nature and outdoor recreation, the Mwanga Centre aims to promote mental and physical health, encourage community bonding, and support a balanced and active lifestyle for all who visit or reside nearby.
Built entirely from sustainable materials, the Mwanga Centre integrates renewable energy systems and recycled water infrastructure, setting a new standard for eco-conscious design. It will be the first project of its scale in the region to meet 5 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education, Good Health and Well-Being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
FEATURED PROJECT PARTNERS
