DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Nazir Atul and Emmanuel Mushy, Co-Founders of VAS Hub, are visionary youth leaders driving social change through art and storytelling. Celebrating Pan Africanism’s history and culture, they raise awareness of critical social issues and nurture local talent. Their collaborative project “Usage of Murals For Social Change” aims to reduce youth unemployment and engagement in informal/unproductive sectors. As our Changemaker finalists, they reach 100 talented youth in marginalized communities and enroll them in programs that turn their skills into actionable cash value so they can lead productive and responsible lives off the streets.
Through their visionary leadership, Nazir Atul and Emmanuel Mushy have successfully identified and nurtured the talents of individuals and organizations in the creative industry, ranging from creative directors to local street artists. By equipping them with essential tools and resources, they have been empowered to create and exhibit their murals in both public and digital spaces.
In their endeavor, Nazir Atul and Emmanuel Mushy aim to boost self-esteem and provide talented youth with alternatives to unemployment and involvement in informal sectors. Through their efforts, talented individuals in their database have been given access to public domains to showcase talent and receive free advertising and extra revenue opportunities. Additionally, VAS Hub forges partnerships with various stakeholders, including local government, NGOs, investors, and schools, to engage in collaborative multidisciplinary initiatives.
In March 2020, VAS Hub embarked on a transformative COVID-19 street art campaign aimed at promoting good hygiene and alternative modes of greeting across Dar Es Salaam. Titled “Zingatia,” which translates to “Consider,” this wall art initiative left an indelible mark on five distinct neighborhoods, each boasting an average population of over 57,000 individuals, many of whom faced socioeconomic challenges and limited literacy. For those most susceptible to the risks associated with contracting COVID-19, it effectively communicated crucial information using accessible language. Participating artists received free publicity and earned an additional 1,500 Dollars in income.
With their initiative, Nazir and Emmanuel have brought together over 145 youths and local artists from the local community. Through a blend of virtual dialogues and in-person sessions, they have been provided with professional mural training in the series known as “Learning in Action.”
As a finalist in the Changemaker category, Nazir and Emmanuel spark transformative change within communities, empowering individuals to act and make a positive impact by uniting people, fostering dialogue, and igniting creative expression.
Sparking transformative change within communities, empowering individuals to act and making a positive impact by uniting people, fostering dialogue, and igniting creative expression, Nazir and Emmanuel earn to be called Changemakers.
