‘What fe[edback do you give the Initiatives of Change (IofC) team to prove that indeed their coming is not in vain; that you are changing for the better?’ These were the introductory remarks from the deputy manager of Subukia Polytechnic while introducing the three Kenya I Care (KIC) facilitators who have regularly been visiting the Polytechnic.
The 75 students in the room fell silent as each soul searched the roots of their own bitterness and hurts and the healing which had begun. One lady took a pen and scribbled something. A few others did the same. They looked like they had something to say but didn’t do it. When I stood to start the session, I was handed a small paper which read: ‘Sorry sir, we have really changed. For example, I have been a hot tempered person and now I am a witness of change. One of you taught us about our relationships.’
We have been having sessions with these students almost every Tuesday. This particular day was rather special in a way; for one, we were with a new young member from Karuga, near Nyahururu, who had fresh sharing. Then for the first time we had a change of our usual venue which is always the motor vehicle garage. It is the most spacious room in the compound. On this day it was being repaired. We got into a room which was smaller but neat. This I believe contributed to the great life the session acquired. For your information our surroundings have a lot of influence on our morale and the ability to take initiative.
Having lost two brothers and their wives through the HIV virus, Willie Njenga said, ‘You know of the HIV virus. But there is another equally serious virus which affects our minds and our souls. It too has no easy cure. The best we can do is to say no before we are infected. Now I have to bear the burden of catering for the families left.’ He helped us conclude that it is only by saying NO to loose morals and upholding the moral values that we can live a worthwhile life.
‘I am ready to stand by my moral values. What about you?’ This could not have been better said than through a lovely poem by Milca Wanjiru, one of the IofC team members. ‘You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.’
‘I have personally been changed through the dialogue that we have been having with the IofC team. Do not think that what you are having is for students only,’ said Mrs Mucheru, the teacher in charge of guidance and counselling.
Several students told us of how much they have benefited from these sessions. We were all greatly encouraged to hear that KIC is still a worthwhile programme. Indeed life is a drama: let us play our part; whatever happens we are a part of the story.