KENYA PHOTO SET FENCING

Fencing club brings hope to Nairobi slum youth

epa11297227 Kenyan professional fencer Isaac Mburu Wanyoike (R) trains with teenage members of the Tsavora Fencing Mtaani club in the streets of Huruma slum in Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya, 17 April 2024 (issued 24 April 2024). The Tsavora Fencing Mtaani club was founded by Isaac Mburu Wanyoike, a gang member turned pro-fencer, the first Kenyan to represent the country in international fencing competitions, and the current coach for Kenya?s Fencing team. "I wanted to change to be an example in the community, a positive figure", Mburu said. Mburu is bringing a new hope to Kenyan youths in the Huruma slum by engaging them in fencing, using the streets as their arena as they parry and riposte in front of curious onlookers. They also go to Nairobi?s central business district to show-fence to members of the public as a way to raise funds that support them in acquiring training kits and building a dedicated facility. Tsavora depends in part on the will of the people, although much of its budget comes from fee-paying international school programs and private classes. More than a hobby for the young athletes, fencing has helped them carve a path away from crime, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies and other social pressures. Today the club has 45 students and has become a reference for the suburb of Mathare, the second largest suburb of Nairobi. Mburu will travel to Algeria to take part in the Zonal Qualifying Tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers. EPA/Daniel Irungu ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

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