Harambee Arts: Healing Through Creativity

In the heart of Kenya and across the globe, Harambee Arts is using the power of creative expression to help women and children recover from the devastating effects of trauma. Founded by Gloria Simoneaux, Harambee Arts embodies the spirit of its name—“Harambee” is a Kiswahili word meaning “Let’s pull together.” This sense of unity and shared strength lies at the core of the organization’s mission, as it brings art-based healing to individuals who have experienced violence, illness, poverty, human trafficking, and other crises.

At the heart of Harambee Arts is a unique approach to therapy: Expressive Art Therapy. Developed by Simoneaux, this method allows individuals to process deep emotional pain through creative expression. The process is both personal and communal, enabling participants to recover from trauma while also building a sense of connection with others facing similar challenges. The program operates on the belief that every person has the capacity to heal and help others, even after enduring significant hardship.

Empowering Communities in Kenya

One of Harambee Arts’ most profound impacts can be seen in the Kibera slum, located in Nairobi, Kenya. Here, a group of local mentors holds space for children to express themselves through art, offering them a much-needed outlet in a world often fraught with struggle. Among these mentors is Samson, a young man who grew up in Kibera and deeply understands the harsh realities faced by the children he works with.

SamsonCassidy FriedmanIn the film, 'Ambassadors of Hope' directed by Cassidy Friedman and Amber Allen-Peirson, Samson shares how art changed his life and how it now helps the children he mentors escape the harshness of their day-to-day lives. His connection with these children is clearly personal, and his passion for art is palpable.

Watch the trailer here: 

To see the full film go to: Ambassadors of Hope Full Film - Password: Hope 

Said Samson, “The kids there go through a lot of hardships. They need someone to be there for them. You can express yourself only when you trust someone. That’s why Harambee Arts is working. Something grew in me I became more loving. Unity grew in me.”

We see that art becomes not only a way for these children to express their feelings, but also a means of fostering hope and building friendships. For these young participants, Samson and Harambee Arts offer a lifeline, showing them that their voices matter and that healing is possible.

The Healing Power of Art

Harambee Arts is grounded in the belief that each individual is inherently whole, capable, and worthy of healing. Empathy and outreach are at the center of the program’s values. Art, in this context, is far more than a form of entertainment—it is a therapeutic tool that helps individuals build trust, form secure relationships, and process trauma. The act of creating art helps establish a secure base, a foundation of trust where participants can explore painful experiences and begin to heal.

One key component of the healing process is the sharing of personal stories. As participants create and share their artwork, they express feelings and experiences that are often too difficult to articulate in words. This act of storytelling, paired with active listening, becomes a form of therapy in itself. It allows individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported, which is crucial to the healing process.

The program also recognizes the universality of grief and loss. By creating a safe space where participants can explore these emotions, Harambee Arts helps individuals move through their pain in a healthy and constructive way. Through art, they learn to confront their emotions, embrace their stories, and, in doing so, create new possibilities for their future.

Art as a Path to Wellness

Creating art isn’t just an emotional or psychological experience—it also has tangible effects on the brain and nervous system. Through the creative process, participants stimulate new neural pathways, which can improve overall wellness and promote resilience. Harambee Arts also incorporates somatic awareness exercises to help individuals manage stress responses and regain balance after trauma. These exercises teach participants how to return to a state of resilience, whether they have experienced minor or severe trauma.

One of the most powerful aspects of Harambee Arts is its emphasis on presence and engagement. Creating art fosters a deep sense of awareness and mindfulness, allowing individuals to stay present in the moment and fully engage with their emotions. This presence is essential for healing, as it encourages participants to confront their trauma while also giving them the tools they need to move forward.

While Harambee Arts is deeply rooted in communities like Kibera, its vision extends far beyond the borders of Kenya. The organization has worked with marginalized populations worldwide, bringing its art-based healing model to individuals in Nepal, the United States, and elsewhere.

Harambee Arts treats each individual as whole, capable, and resilient. Empathy and connection are at the heart of the organization’s philosophy, and art is the tool that fosters trust and security, forming the foundation for healing relationships. Through art, participants are able to process grief, loss, and other painful experiences in a safe and supportive environment. As they create and share their stories, the act of being heard becomes a key element in their healing journey.

Ultimately, Harambee Arts is about more than just creating art; it is about fostering presence, connection, and the transformative power of self-expression in the face of adversity.

Find out more: www.harambeearts.org