Dandora Community Launches Multi-Purpose Hall to Boost Learning and Social Cohesion
NAIROBI — In a major boost for residents of Dandora Phase 2, a multi-purpose community hall is set to be developed in one of Nairobi’s most resource-constrained informal settlements. Approved by Stichting DAIDA and the Wilde Ganzen Foundation, the project is co-funded to provide a child-friendly and multifunctional space aimed at nurturing learning, social cohesion, and economic opportunities for the community. The initiative is spearheaded by Mustard Seeds, a local Community Based Organization (CBO), in collaboration with both local and international partners.
The idea for the community hall emerged during the COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020 when school closures left children in Dandora vulnerable to educational setbacks, psychological stress, and social isolation. Mustard Seeds, working with the Centre for Frugal Innovation in Africa (Kenya Hub), Vital Cities Citizens (Erasmus University Rotterdam), and the Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies, designed a space that not only supports children’s learning but also offers cultural, sports, and social programs for residents. The project emphasizes creating strong social ties, fostering informal social interactions, and generating income opportunities for youth while addressing the broader needs of the elderly and other community members.
The project will be implemented starting May 2021, with construction expected to be completed within four weeks. Beyond its physical infrastructure, the initiative will serve as an action research hub, evaluating how communities with limited resources can leverage frugality and collaborative networks to enhance resilience and sustainability. Charles Gachanga, founder of Mustard Seeds CBO, emphasized that the hall will positively impact safety, livelihoods, health, and social cohesion, setting a model for other informal settlements in Nairobi. Residents and children alike will benefit from a safe, accessible, and inclusive space designed to nurture creativity, learning, and community well-being.