Kisumu: Meet Kindhearted Man Helping Children Shine Through Creative Expression
- In Kisumu, Musa Ondu is changing lives by nurturing young talent in music, dance, drama, and art through his community-based academy
- Focused on underprivileged children, the initiative offers a platform for expression, empowerment, and social change
- What started as one man's dream is now a movement giving a voice to the voiceless
In a modest corner of Kisumu’s semi-urban neighbourhoods, a quiet revolution is underway, spearheaded by philanthropist Musa Ondu.
Source: UGC
The passionate youth mentor is changing the lives of children and teenagers who might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream society through a talent academy
Who does the academy serve?
Ondu told TUKO.co.ke that since founding the academy, he has been on a mission to nurture and empower young people through creative arts, music, dance, drama, and environmental advocacy.
By doing so, the youngsters are able to build confidence and use their voices to impact the world around them.
The academy, which primarily serves children who lack access to formal arts training, has become a beacon of hope and expression since 2020.
Ondu added that his dream has always been to give the children what he never had growing up—an opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
“I longed for a platform like this as a child, but it never existed. So I built it for others,” he said in the heartfelt interview.
How Ondu recruits talent
The academy began as a humble idea but has grown into a vibrant, community-supported program that reaches youth through schools, churches, open talent shows, and social media.
Ondu and his team often organise open days and community events where children can showcase their talents, build their self-esteem, and receive mentorship.
The children are trained to use their skills to tell stories, raise awareness, and advocate for change, transforming creative expression into a tool for communication and social impact.
“Art is more than just entertainment,” Ondu explains. “It’s a language. I want these children to use their talents to speak to the world.”
Source: UGC
How Ondu funds talent academy
What sets the academy apart is its commitment not just to performance, but to purpose.
With limited resources, Ondu relies heavily on support from well-wishers, donations of musical instruments, and proceeds from his mentorship programs in schools and organisations.
“It hasn’t been easy, but the smiles and growth I see in these children make every sacrifice worth it,” he says.
Through his dedication, Ondu has touched many lives and continues to inspire the community, proving that with passion and purpose, one can truly make a difference.
UoN student empowers the needy through modelling
Elsewhere, Lynne Fancy Brenda is only 19 years old, but she has already chartered a path in touching lives.
The journalism student at the University of Nairobi holds several titles, among them Miss Teen Campuses Kenya and Kenya Campus Awards.
She has been using the titles to support underprivileged members of society, an initiative that saw her named Humanitarian Activist of the Year 2025.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
