The 7th edition of the Mathare Festival, themed “Weaving Together,” took place this past weekend in Nairobi’s Mathare community, bringing together thousands of local residents in a vibrant celebration of art, sports, reading, and solidarity. The festival stands as a symbol of China–Kenya friendship and global compassion, showcasing years of deep-rooted collaboration between Chinese organizations and Kenyan communities.
This year’s festival was organized by the non-profit Dream Building Service Association (DBSA) and co-hosted by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Shaanxi International Exchange Center for Women and Children, and Tecno.
Additionally, it received support from a diverse range of partners, including UNESCO, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya, the Shaanxi NGO Network for International Exchange, Amity Foundation, Kenya Chinese Youth Association, S Group, the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, Twyford, and Jiangxi Leju Sports Culture Industry Co., Ltd.
A festival rooted in connection and growth
Focusing on children’s emotional bonds with themselves, their families, their community, and the environment, this year’s activities embodied the essence of the “Weaving Together” theme. Through sports tournaments, art exhibitions, talent shows, and reading initiatives, the festival brought to life a powerful narrative of hope, healing, and unity.
The much-anticipated football tournament, a highlight of the festival, reached new heights this year. A total of 47 teams from 24 community schools competed in 94 electrifying matches, culminating in an exhilarating final witnessed by hundreds. The post-match Juggling Challenge, hosted by the Chinese Embassy, attracted enthusiastic participation, with embassy counsellors, diplomats, and Chinese volunteers joining local residents to share their passion for the sport.
The creative spirit of Mathare’s youth was on full display through a vibrant art exhibition, co-created by nearly 800 children through face masks, weaving, sculpture, and painting. Many of the artworks expressed resilience and gratitude, featuring train-themed pieces that served as heartfelt tributes to CRBC’s “African Star” charity project, which played a key role in the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)—a project that symbolizes China’s lasting contribution to Kenya’s development.
Talent, dreams, and reading for change
Over 1,000 participants from 25 schools and more than 10 art institutions participated in auditions for the Talent Show, where the top 20 acts illuminated the stage with music, dance, fashion, and traditional performances. Dubbed the children’s “Avenue of Stars,” the show received applause from the community.
This year featured an exciting addition: the official launch of the “Hope Campus” Reading Plan 1.0. Jointly initiated by Transsion Group, Amity Foundation, and DBSA, the programme provided the first batch of books and materials to establish mini-libraries in local schools, transforming classrooms into beacons of knowledge. An accompanying poetry collage exhibition allowed children to articulate their aspirations for the future, with their works created during reading classes.
Behind the scenes, more than 20 volunteers from China and beyond played a vital role. Arriving in Nairobi a month in advance, these committed “Dream Weavers” immersed themselves in the Mathare community, assisting in planning, setting up, guiding, and executing the festival’s various components. Their tireless efforts exemplified the true meaning of “Weaving Together.”
Chinese Philanthropy Changing Lives in Mathare
CRBC’s philanthropic brand, African Star, continues to channel community support. The initiative provides daily free meals to 220 students at Hope Baptist School in Mathare. In a special pre-festival event, 50 students were taken on a tour of the Standard Gauge Railway, offering them a firsthand glimpse into how Chinese-led development projects are transforming Kenya’s future.
The enduring impact of these efforts was beautifully expressed by a volunteer from Yunnan, China:
“Beside the ruins left by last year’s floods stand new tin houses and children’s sparkling eyes. By the river, a new school is being built, bookshelves are being filled book by book. Here, we see hope sprouting—like new buds growing from the cracks in bricks—resilient and evergreen.”
A Decade of Service and a Vision for the Future
Founded in 2014, DBSA has spearheaded numerous impactful projects across six African countries. These efforts include building schools, running free lunch programmes, distributing sanitary pads, and organizing arts and sports events that have benefited over 100,000 children and youth. In Kenya, DBSA’s approach combines long-term vision with local engagement, supporting education, alleviating hunger, empowering youth, and promoting environmental protection.
The annual DBSA World Cup, launched in 2016, has evolved into a celebrated football tournament. The initiative identifies talented youth and enrolls them in the DBSA Football Club, providing advanced training and development opportunities. Similarly, the DBSA Art Project, which began in 2015, nurtures artistic talent through courses, workshops, and exhibitions.
This year also saw the successful implementation of joint projects under the Transsion-Amity-DBSA partnership, including the Blackboard Project, Desk and Chair Project, and Art Education Initiatives—each aimed at enhancing the learning environment in disadvantaged areas.
