Update from the field by Andrea Lacertosa – GREEN WORLD FOR KIDS | March 10, 2026
A new update from Naibala Academy shows the latest developments across the school and, in particular, an exciting new project taking shape within the tailoring programme.
Andrea Lacertosa of Green World for Kids, who coordinates the project on the ground, takes us through the school’s daily activities. In one classroom, students are studying English and learning about different types of nouns, including common, concrete and abstract nouns. In another, students are working on mathematics.
The school also welcomed representatives from a Canadian NGO, who came to learn more about the development of the Naibala Academy project and its educational model.
A new project from the tailoring school
One of the most interesting developments comes from the tailoring school, where a new creative project is beginning to take shape.
Inspired by an idea shared by Althea Angelini, the students have started experimenting with the creation of sustainable bags that combine colourful African fabrics with recycled materials.
Among the materials being reused are cement bags that would otherwise be discarded or burned. Instead, they are incorporated into patterns and structures for shopping bags, backpacks and other accessories.
The first prototypes combine African textiles, design and recycling, opening up new possibilities for the students to develop both their technical and creative skills.
Creativity, sustainability and new opportunities
The initiative builds on the work already carried out by the tailoring school, which offers young women from the Maasai community a free two-year vocational training programme.
Students in their second year are now beginning to prepare patterns for these new products, exploring different shapes, materials and possible applications.
The aim is not only to strengthen their sewing skills, but also to encourage creativity, versatility and new ideas that could gradually broaden their professional opportunities.
The update ends with the second-year students working on the first patterns for the new project, a concrete example of how technical training can evolve into creativity, design and sustainable production.
For Althea Angelini, seeing the idea come to life was particularly moving:
“These are the moments and achievements that encourage us to continue doing good. I am so happy to know that my idea has been an inspiration and that these wonderful young women can broaden their horizons through fashion as well. The bags are fantastic, I love them. A big hug to everyone, and thank you for your hard work.”
