My future is tobacco-free: empowering students in Kibera on World Lung Day

On World Lung Day 2025, the Art Kids Foundation hosted the My Future is Tobacco-Free School Summit at Karama Academy in Kibera, Nairobi, to empower adolescents to lead healthy, tobacco-free lives. Over 250 students, teachers, media representatives and community members participated in a dynamic programme of activities designed to educate, inspire and engage.

Students performed a drama and spoken word pieces highlighting the dangers of tobacco, its impact on lung health and the wider consequences for families and the future. They also took part in a fitness challenge and dance session, promoting physical activity as a positive alternative to harmful habits.

A refusal skills training session gave students practical strategies and confidence to resist peer pressure and marketing tactics encouraging tobacco use. The summit concluded with a pledge ceremony, where students committed publicly to live tobacco-free lives, and an awards session recognising their creativity and determination.

The event drew attention from local media, including Pamoja FM and Kibera Stories, amplifying the campaign’s reach and reinforcing the importance of lung health and tobacco prevention beyond the school grounds.

By combining creative expression, peer-led advocacy and practical skill-building, the summit strengthened students’ ability to make informed, health-conscious choices. The programme showcased how participatory, community-led approaches can inspire lasting positive behaviours, and provided a foundation for expanding tobacco-free education across schools in Nairobi and other under-resourced communities.