A film for the DEPP Programme
Being Better prepared for Disasters
Sketch recently produced 3x short films for the Disaster Emergency Preparedness Programme - which is coming to an end. We filmed in the informal settlements of Nairobi, in Kibera and West Pokot with NGO Action Aid and in Mukuru with the team from the Red Cross. It was a busy 4 days!
Simon at his home in Kibera
On day 1 we met Simon - a 53 year old man who has been unemployed for almost 20 years, surviving on 1 USD a day whilst bringing up his son. He receives cash transfers from the Red Cross (DEPP) - allowing them to eat twice a day rather than just once and to pay for essential school books. Kibera is one of the largest urban slums in the world. It's extremely crowded (some estimates put the population at up to 1 million) and the conditions are tough. Access to education, job opportunities and healthcare are all challenging.
POWEO members in Sigor, West Pokot
POWEO HQ in West Pokot
After filming in Kibera, we headed to West Pokot - a long drive through the Rift Valley to the upper grasslands of Kitale. We met Leah, the charismatic leader of POWEO (Pokot Women Empowerment Organisation), who is bringing positive change to West Pokot. We filmed interviews with Susan and Leah in Sigor, West Pokot. She told us many stories about the difference POWEO was making, enabling women to take positions in local government and to encourage women to have jobs and run businesses.
In Sigor, West Pokot
James, volunteer for the Red Cross Emergency Team in Mukuru
On our final day, we head to Mukuru, another slum in the East of Nairobi. Here we met James, who is transforming the way people with disabilities are perceived in his community. He is a volunteer for the Emergency response team and helps prevent flooding by clearing rubbish from the drains. James is visually impaired and has noticed people's perception of his abilities change. Disaster prevention includes all sections of society, ensuring that everyone has access to the same information and resources.
Going to Mukuru after unusually heavy rainfall in Nairobi and flash floods showed just how important preventative measures are. To get to James' house we had to wade through two foot of contaminated water. We filmed an interview as he stood in his flooded house, telling us that the floods had never been this bad before.
Over an intense and demanding four days we met inspirational people working in the aid sector, changing the way people think and act.