The Swahili Cultural Centre opened its doors in February, 1993 through the initiative of the Mombasa Old Town Community and generous funding from UNDP, ILO and National Museums Of Kenya. The centre was established in the twin aims of revitalizing and promoting Swahili material culture and moreover, alleviating the problem of unemployment of Mombasa Old Town's young population. Having succeeded in setting up the Mombasa Centre, the demand for more centres became apparent, hence in 1994 the Lamu Centre was opened.
Training Activities.
Each year the Lamu Centre admits young women to be trained in such activities as Kofia making, embroidery and dress making. To make these courses more effective, the training includes business education and design subjects. The course's duration lasts from one to two years depending on the specialization. Very soon the management will introduce more Swahili oriented courses such a cookery, language poetry, folklore and dance.
Management.
The Lamu centre is the National Museums of Kenya which provide the salaries for the staff, land and buildings. Other sources of funds derived from membership subscriptions, sales, fees, donations and income from production unit. The committee welcome well wishers to support these Centres financially.
Membership.
The Management Committee invites people to join the NGO membership. However, interested people should be:
- persons who have links to Swahili Culture;
- people who have a strong interest in the Swahili Culture;
- those who have demonstarted strong socio-historic links to the Swahili Culture.
Prosepective members will be expected to pay membership entrance fee of Ksh3000 and annual subscription of Kshs1200. Full paid up members have voting rights when electing Management board.