Music in the Schools: Kenya

First established in 2010, the S’Cool Sounds project in Kenya is now in residence in four primary/middle schools in the Kibera neighborhood of Nairobi: FAFU (Facing the Future School), Mobjap School (Garden of Hope), The Center of Hope School, and COPA School.

“A PRIZE WINNING MUSIC PROGRAM”

The largest informal settlement on the continent of Africa, Kibera is home to approximately one million people in one square mile; more than half of those residents are children under the age of twelve. S’Cool Sounds partners with US-based Crossing Thresholds to work with school children and local staff members who teach music throughout the year.

Kenyan Music Director, Jacob Saya, and Teaching Artist, Julius Odhiambo, oversee a thriving program, serving hundreds of students per year. Under their guidance, students in Kibera have gone from experiencing instrumental music for the first time to winning first prize in the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024 Kenya National Music Competitions.

In the fall of 2022, S’Cool Sounds and Crossing Thresholds inaugurated the Futures Music Program, offering high schoolers (graduates of Kibera schools) an opportunity to continue their musical studies as they look to a successful and fulfilling future. While home and on break from high school, students receive general music classes as well as instruction in the instrument of their choice (recorder, saxophone, keyboard, percussion, and guitar). These students are poised to give back by working with their younger peers. Inspired by Jacob and Julius, two graduates of the music program are already working as teaching assistants in the primary schools, imparting their knowledge and skills to future generations of students.

Jacob Saya is the Director of Music in Kenya. Growing up an orphan in the Kibera neighborhood of Nairobi, he found comfort and joy in making music. In 2013, Brian Odina Hamisi (a FAFU staff member) overheard Jacob's skillful recorder playing and invited him to interview for a music teaching position. After connecting with FAFU head of school Simeon Ajigo and S'Cool Sounds founder Nina Stern, he began teaching. He now manages a staff of teachers whose ensembles have won first prize at the Kenya National Music Festival five times.

Jacob consistently expresses that his work is about more than teaching music—it is also a form of social justice. For the children and families of Kibera, the largest informal settlement in Africa, Jacob's work brings joy, hope and community.

Teaching Artist Julius Odhiambo Otieno was born in a village in Western Kenya where he lived for most of his childhood. Both his parents were active in their church choir, fostering an early connection to music for Julius. In high school, Julius played trombone in the school brass band, enjoying school trips to the Kenya National Music Festivals. As an adult, Julius started teaching music in various primary schools in Nairobi, and was invited by Jacob to assist with conducting students at national music festivals.

Julius joined the teaching team in 2017 and now works with students in grades 4-8 at the Mobjap and Center of Hope Schools. Julius takes great joy in seeing the impact of his work as a music educator, rekindling hope in Kibera and helping his students' dreams come true.