Through Her Lens: How Photography Opened New Possibilities for Naima in Kibera

At 20 years old, Naima Noah is building a future shaped by creativity, confidence, and determination.

Growing up in Kibera, Naima was eager to learn but, like many young people, faced limited pathways to professional growth. That changed when she joined a photography training course at Human Needs Project.

Before the program, Naima had never held a professional camera. What began as learning a new skill soon became a new way of seeing the world.

Through the course, she gained technical photography skills while discovering confidence in her own creative voice.

“The training with the Human Needs Project was an eye-opener,” Naima says. “I learned not just how to take good pictures, but how to tell powerful stories through images, giving me a new way to see the world. It built my confidence and creativity. I now notice details I never did before.” – Naima

After completing the training, Naima quickly began putting her skills into practice — photographing school events, helping friends with small shoots, and building her portfolio. As her work grew, so did her reputation, with local businesses and community members reaching out for photography and social media content.

What started as a class became a pathway toward independence.

Today, Naima dreams of growing as a professional photographer, using her lens to tell powerful stories and one day traveling the world to capture different cultures and experiences.

SUPPORT EDUCATION IN KIBERA

Her journey reflects the impact of practical, skills-based education. Human Needs Project’s Training Program has graduated more than 6,500 students, with approximately 60% accessing employment opportunities after completing their courses.

The program equips young people with future-ready skills in Photography, Graphic Design, Marketing, Social Media Management, IT, Digital Literacy, Business & Entrepreneurship, and soon, Cybersecurity.

Naima’s story is one of many — showing how opportunity, training, and creativity can help young people shape brighter futures for themselves and their communities.