Changing Faces Competition is an initiative mobilizing citizens to transform neglected public open spaces across Nairobi into clean, green and safe community spaces. Nairobians are invited to use their creativity and competition spirit to upgrade streets, parks, courts, river banks and reclaim their city!
4 editions
since 2014
+200 spaces transformed
+4000 participants
+200 000 users of
public spaces
positively impacted
IMPACT
Enabling Nairobians to improve their living environment
HOW DOES IT WORK
Health benefits
Entrepreneurship and business growth
Enhanced childhood development
Social cohesion
Clean and green spaces have a positive impact on mental and physical health of their users.
Quality public spaces provide better business environment as a result of enhanced foot traffic and sanitation. Furthermore, teams are encouraged to identify new income-generating activities related to the maintenance and activation of the transformed space to ensure its sustainability.
Children who can play in clean, safe, and green spaces develop better social skills and are generally happier.
Upgrading public spaces tends to reduce crime and improve safety. Transformation of a space provides youths previously involved in crime with positive alternatives. Safe and clean public spaces become vibrant, enhancing civic engagement and social interaction. Communities reclaiming ownership of these spaces help to prevent land grabbing.
We are proud to contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals
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Community Champions are selected and trained in placemaking and community engagement
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Each team identifies a space they want to transform and submits “before” photos with characteristics of the space
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Teams submit the “after” photos of their space demonstrating their work, together with a maintenance plan
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Community Champions recruit teams in their areas
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Teams work on the transformation of their space using affordable locally available material
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Judges visit the shortlisted sites and nominate the best teams for awards
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Announcement of the winners!
SUSTAINABILITY
Unlike common clean up events, the Changing Faces Competition encourages teams to consider their intervention in a long term perspective. The model's sustainability is ensured through the development of leadership skills and the implementation of income generating activities through the maintenance of the space.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
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BECOME A CITY SHAPER
Form a team and transform a space
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Become a community champion
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Replicate the competition in your area
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