Environmental concerns are also of great priority among the members of Shabab. Frustrated by the fact that most residents of Kibera throw their trash anywhere and everywhere, making the area look like a populated trash dump, the youth spend time each week doing community clean-ups. They began with the area on which their workshop is built, which used to be a site of trash mounds. Since then, they have extended their projects all through Kibera. Not only do they pick up and separate the trash, but they are also working to educate the residents of Kibera about separating out plastics and compost tactics.

Although their aims are all noble, they have not had the luxury of a clear path to success. Like in many parts of the world, there is a stereotype in Kenya that Rastas smoke weed all the time and are trouble makers. It is true that for Rastas weed is a sacred and natural herb, but the negative associations that come with that are usually falsely based. These guys are the gentlest and most considerate people I met in Kenya, hardly the trouble makers people assume them to be. Nonetheless, this image can deter people from participating in their activities or listening to their teachings.

Furthermore, like with most projects in Kibera, funding is an issue. Although they are selling their art, business can be slow and there has to be money to buy the art supplies. Even if they have enough to break even, it is difficult to supply funding for their larger, community-focused activities. Yet opportunities for financial assistance are slim in Kenya, thus they enter into the cloud of hoping and waiting that sits on Kibera.

Nonetheless, the Rasta youth of the Shabab Fine Arts Self-Help Group are doing their part to improve life for both themselves and their neighbors. Perhaps we all need to learn a little from the Rasta view of helping one another and start reciprocating their actions.

Lara Berlin is a senior in Calhoun College