STUDENTS WILL LEARN ABOUT CHRISTMASTIME IN KENYA

Santa Clauses and carols can be found in every shopping center in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi at this time of year, Anis Somji says. After all, 70 percent of the West African country's residents are Christian.

"The Christians celebrate Christmas the same as here," Somji says.

Somji, a 19-year-old student at Southeast Missouri State University who is a Moslem, moved to the United Arab Emirates with his family when he was only 2. But in his heart and on his passport he remains a Kenyan.

He will discuss his native land during the "African Christmas Celebration" to be held Saturday at May Greene School.

The 2 p.m. program is part of the Festivals, Families & the Arts program presented by the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts. It is designed for students from 6-13 years old. Admission is $1 per person, and each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Advance registration is required by calling 334-9233.

Somji says the tribal system controls life outside the Kenyan metropolis of Nairobi and the Moslem port city of Mambasa. Three groups dominate: the Kikuyu, who are the ruling class; the Chuku, whose religion might be described as naturalistic; and the Masai, the famous independent nomads.

Some of these celebrate Christmas in very individual ways, Somji said.

"One tribe puts up a long stick that represents a Christmas tree. And their ornaments are made of cow dung."

Brenda Seyer, an art teacher who coordinates the monthly programs for the arts council, will direct the students in making an African mask. She also will show slides of masks and will provide African artifacts to look at.

"The whole purpose of the program is to stimulate creative thought and creative activities," Seyer says.

An adult to required to attend to give the child support. The work they begin together at the program often continues at home, Seyer says.

About 70 students have attended each monthly program this year. The program attendance averaged only 20 the first year and 50 last year, Seyer said.

The next program will be held Jan. 14, 1995, at the Clippard School, when students will celebrate a Russian New Year.