Chinese group helps slum children discover their talents

Liu Yimenghan, the co-founder of the charity organization, said after the talent shows that they usually identify older talents aged about 20 years to mentor, motivate and nurture younger talents who are about 10.

Liu said his organization has partnered with over 20 schools in the Mathare slums, where they are doing different projects, including a feeding program, talent show, art exhibition, soccer tournaments and waste recycling.

He said their volunteers have assisted young local artists to show their works at local or overseas events by organizing exhibitions and assisting project application, as well as bridging the young artists with the next generation in their partner primary schools in Mathare.

Liu said plans are underway to launch talent shows in Uganda beginning next year.

Deng Fei, the founder of a free lunch program for children who attended the talent show on his first trip to Africa, said he was challenged by the determination of the slum children and promised to increase his support.

"After the tour to the slum, I'm convinced we need to get more partners to help improve the general environment of the informal settlement, like renovating some facilities and constructing others, such as toilets," he said.