Insights from How to Draw a Lion - Art Teacher and the Mobjab Students

During our recent trip to Kenya, we engaged our students in an art program in partnership with "How to Draw a Lion," – an organization committed to teaching children the power of art. These classes were led by Samuel Kinyua, a passionate local artist employed by HTDL. This initiative offered an artistically stimulating experience while raising awareness about child welfare and conservation efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. Below, hear from Samuel and the students about their experience during this initiative! ​

Hi, my name is Samuel, and I work with How to Draw a Lion. I have been happy with talented kids at Mobjab, and the excitement in their eyes makes me overjoyed! They are always ready to learn how to paint and improve their talents. In my childhood, I didn't get proper art supplies to empower my skills in art, so I'm happy for the How to Draw a Lion art classes where kids get the opportunity to learn while they’re still young. It gives hope to the power of talent in kids. 
I mostly get questions from other artists like "How do you handle it when it comes to teaching kids who didn’t know how to paint before?" And I would just say that kids like doing what they can see, and doing visual explanations makes learning easy. I continue to show interest in the work they’re doing and not to worry about what seems impossible.
Drawing and painting animals is mostly fun since they have different colors.
Working on art with the kids at Mobjab was so astounding because most of the kids would ask what was next, and I would guide them. I like kids who always speak out when they are stuck, hence making classes awesome.
We asked the students to give insights on each of their paintings; here’s what they had to say - 
Trevor Otieno depicted a heartwarming scene of an elephant and its calf in his artwork. His deep admiration for elephants shines through the beautiful sketch, radiating joy and happiness.
Adrian Javan felt a sense of pride as he completed drawing a giraffe. His drawing was inspired by the graceful beauty and unique lifestyle of giraffes.
Michelle Adhiambo enjoyed sketching a portrait of a beautiful African girl, finding joy in capturing the beauty of African heritage through her artwork.
Fabian Kyalo is fascinated by the high-flying and explorative nature of hummingbirds. This fascination inspired him to sketch the hummingbird, and the experience filled him with excitement.
Simeon Wasike expressed his love and admiration for his mother by creating a beautiful drawing of an African mother.
Ravel Ivaronga was fascinated by the speed of a leopard and felt excited to sketch a picture of the animal.
Boniface Uhuru found the Zebra, a beautiful animal, and was excited to create a drawing to capture its beauty.
Peter Anyola is captivated by the unique features of gorillas and the striking resemblance some of these features bear to those of human beings. He derives great enjoyment from sketching these fascinating animals.
Gift Nabutiti produced a charming elephant drawing, expressing her passion for these magnificent creatures.
Bennita Atieno and Esther Mwikali enjoyed sketching birds. Bennita loves drawing birds, and Purity joined in because she finds them easy to draw.

- Samuel Kinyua and the Mobjab Art Students