Social Hub to be built in Mathare

Billian Ojiwa(Center) Executive director of BMF Excellence, Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi(Left), Ian Kimoi Panda Miti official and Global Peace Foundation executive director Daniel Juma(Right), during the official groundbreaking of the BMF Excellence Center Mathare on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, in Mathare, Nairobi. Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The residents of Mathare, Nairobi and its environs will soon be able to enjoy various services that will be offered in the Billian Excellence Center.

The services will include a community radio station, library, social hall, and music studio.

The transformative initiative sponsored by the Bild, a German organization, is set to become a pivotal hub for fostering social development in Mathare and its surrounding areas.

Speaking at the groundbreaking of the facility, Gian Gantenbein, Head of Communications at the German Embassy noted that the center is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of the community.

"The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the commencement of a new chapter, where education, skills development, and employment opportunities converge to pave the way for a brighter future," he said.

Mr. Gian conveyed the unwavering commitment of the German Embassy and emphasized their dedication to supporting local organizations that make a tangible difference in the community.

He urged other German organizations to participate in supporting local projects that uplift communities.

Mr. Billian Ojiwa, the founder of the Billian Foundation based in Mathare noted that the innovative space will boast special amenities designed to cater to a spectrum of community needs.

He said the community radio station is anticipated to serve as a powerful tool for communication and information dissemination, fostering a sense of unity and connectivity among the residents. The library aims to be a haven for learning and intellectual growth. Simultaneously, the social hall will serve as a communal space for gatherings and events, promoting social cohesion.

Ojiwa said that the inclusion of a music studio in the center underscores the importance of creative expression and talent development.

He said that the facility is expected to become a nurturing ground for local artists, adding a cultural dimension to the centre's multifaceted impact on the community.

"The Billian Excellence Center emerges not just as a physical structure but as a symbol of hope, empowerment, and a catalyst for positive change in Mathare and its environs," said Ojiwa