Mapenzi Tamu (sweet love)

Mapenzi Tamu (which means sweet love in Swahili) was originally a ballad written by a few boys from the centre and later developed by an acclaimed Italian actor and playright, Marco Baliani. The 21 performance scenes “use wit and irony and are presented in a language that addresses other young people.” The musical score directed by Paolo Fresu is composed of elements of jazz and street style Hip Hop.

Street children are potentially exposed to many sexual relationships and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. The play offers a window into their experiences and views on AIDS which have been neglected. It also aims to break barriers by communicating candidly about street children and HIV. In one of the scenes, a young man and young woman are guided on the use of a condom and collective discussions about love are depicted through a performance. Another scene talks of the life story of a common girl in the slum; the insecurity, love, lust, teenage pregnancy and early motherhood she is faced with.

The play also aims to break the stereotype often associated with street children by unveiling their hidden potential, talents, intelligence and their sense of responsibility. According to the organisers, the play was well received amongst other young people living in the slum and in the streets during performances in Dagoretti. The cast are also considered to be positive role models to other young people. The project is based on the idea that theatre training uses the art of physical expression which enables the youth to use their bodies and voices to communicate.

After its launch at the Kenya National Theatre in November 2006, the production toured Italian theatres during the December festive season. In January 2007, the cast performed during the World Social Forum in Nairobi.

Along with theater, the project is also using videography and other artistic interventions as a way of giving youth from the street a voice. According to the project's manager, taking part in the theatre group ensures that they have daily commitments and "aims to achieve, giving them a sense of responsibility and of belonging to a team".

HIV/AIDS, Children.

The theatrical production is part of the Dagoretti Child in Need Project, a community-based street children rehabilitation initiative, which is a component of the family health programme of the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF). The project runs a youth centre, which caters for 180 children by preparing them for formal schooling or vocational training. They are also provided with food, health care, counseling and support to reintegrate them into the family or community.

The play is based on the fact that, according to a UNAIDS report released last year, HIV prevalence in Kenya has fallen to 6 percent. However, HIV positive Kenyans continue to face stigma from their families and members of the community who remain ignorant about how the disease is transmitted. The fear surrounding AIDS stops many people from being tested and seeking treatment early. It also prevents them from sharing their status with their spouses or partners thus putting them at risk.