From Zero to Hero

Welcome to Nairobi. This VR story, produced with Kenyan young adults, takes you to Nairobi’s neighborhoods of Kayole and Dandora.

Your mentors’ schooling was cut short early, and they started begging for food and money. Families were unlucky and society offered little support. Children began to numb their minds with drugs, followed by drug dealing and later a prison. What happened then?

This 8-minute video shows that change for the better is possible. Mentors have become advisors to their communities. They are activists who encourage other young people to join and discuss their aspirations.

Your VR experience consists of a video and an introduction to the mentors. What do you have in common with them – maybe your favorite football team?

The VR experience is designed primarily for young people, but it is suitable for everyone. There are two language options: Finnish and English.

The VR experience is part of a wider Finnish-Kenyan co-production project, including the exhibition From Zero to Hero. The exhibition will be on display at the Helinä Rautavaara Museum in Espoo from 2024 to 2025. The whole project is a collaboration between two NGOs, the Undugu Society of Kenya and Taksvärkki ry from Finland. Both organizations promote youth empowerment.

Script and concept: Kaisa Viitanen.

Video production in Nairobi by Fallohide: director and producer Walid Kilonzi.

Verge Media’s Tomas Valkonen is responsible for app development and video post-production in Finland.