The Power of Art in Education
There’s something truly magical about the power of storytelling and the arts to inspire young minds. This magic came to life one sunny morning at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre when the pupils of Bridge international Academies Kenya had the exclusive opportunity to witness “Shujaa Stories: A Celebration of Kenya Through Ballet.” It was a day of inspiration, education, and pure joy.
Unveiling the Heroes of Kenya
Shujaa Stories is no ordinary show. It’s a theatrical extravaganza that beautifully blends ballet, live music, and the rich tapestry of Kenyan history and culture. The performance pays tribute to Kenya’s unsung heroes, bringing their inspirational stories to life.
Imagine young minds being transported into a world where heroes like Anyango Nyalolwe, Untulo, Wangu Wa Makeri, The Makonde Wangu Wa Makeri, Queen Amanirenas, and many others take center stage. Through the graceful movements of ballet, the rhythm of live music, and captivating narration, these heroes’ stories were woven into the hearts of the children, leaving an indelible mark.
The excitement of the pupils from Bridge Gatina who attended the event was palpable as they reflected on the impact of the performance. Esther Nyanchama, a Grade 6 pupil, beamed, saying, “I was very happy to be at Braeburn school. Thank you for inviting us to Kenya Dance Theatre because I learned about many things. I learned about our heroes and heroines. It was a great pleasure to be with you all.”
Another Grade 5 pupil from Bridge Gatina, Victor Mutiso, added, “I learned about all the old people who were there before me, and also before my parents. I liked the acting, how they danced, and also how the music went. It complemented the dancing well. And also the wonderful stories.
In the spotlight of this captivating performance, the creative genius of young Kenyan talents shone brightly. Among them, the Assistant Director of Shujaa Stories, DCK, Watiri Nduba, stood as a beacon of inspiration.
Watiri Nduba, the Assistant Director, expressed her profound vision for the event. She shared her aspiration for young minds to be ignited by the magic of dance and storytelling. This screening was more than just a show; it was a carefully crafted moment, and the screening was done especially for Bridge pupils, to inspire them to dream.
In her own words, she explained, “This is a great way for them to witness the art of ballet in motion, an experience that can be truly inspiring. It’s an opportunity for them to imagine themselves dancing and realizing that dance can take you somewhere incredible.”
The stage was set, not just for an extraordinary performance, but for the birth of dreams, aspirations, and a belief that anything is possible when young hearts are inspired by the power of the arts.
A Unique Educational Opportunity
Why did this event mean so much to Bridge Kenya and its pupils? Let’s hear it straight from the heart of our Bridge community.
Brian Barasa, Supervisor at Bridge Kenya, couldn’t emphasize it enough. “This program arrived at the perfect moment, right in the heart of Mashujaa Day month. Now, when Mashujaas are spoken of, our pupils don’t just hear tales; they witness the impact these heroes had on our country’s growth.”
Bridge Kenya has a dedicated mission to infuse history, culture, and the arts into its curriculum. It’s about creating a holistic educational experience that goes beyond textbooks. Through practical and theoretical learning, Bridge Kenya shapes individuals who understand their roots and treasure their heritage.
Waithaka Gitau, an educator and part of the Shujaa Stories team, echoes this sentiment. The Shujaa Stories team has been delving deep into historical characters, breathing life into their stories through literature and the arts. “Learners are different. There are learners who learn from reading, there are learners who learn from seeing, and there are others who learn from actually doing.We have been putting these stories together for a long time”, Waithaka shares. Pupils were thrilled to see those stories brought to life on stage. Waithaka passionately shares, “This is our culture. It’s our history. We’ve been searching for cultures far and wide, sometimes forgetting our true identity. Shujaa Stories is here to bring back that authenticity and identity to every African, every Kenyan child. Learners are unique; they learn through seeing, doing, reading, and experiencing.”
It’s crystal clear that Shujaa Stories isn’t just about entertainment. It’s a movement to empower the next generation with a profound appreciation for their historical heroes and to kindle a lifelong love for learning. This event is a testament to the power of the arts, culture, and history in shaping young minds for a brighter future.
Bridge Kenya is a leading tech-educational institution committed to providing quality education to underserved communities. With a track record of academic excellence, the institution has empowered thousands of pupils to pursue brighter futures.
Bridge opened its first school in Mukuru Kwa Njenga in 2009. Today Bridge runs community schools across 22 of 47 counties, providing life-changing education in over 100 schools. Since its first cohort in 2015, tens of thousands of pupils have excelled in KCPE, been awarded places at some of Kenya’s top secondary schools, and won scholarships to prestigious US high schools and universities.
Bridge Kenya employs 1,400 people across the country. Bridge Kenya has 25,056 pupils across its academies nationwide. Bridge Kenya has 1,744 pupils sitting for KCPE examinations in 2023.
Bridge Kenya assists pupils in transitioning through secondary school and university education by helping them access sponsorships.