Saturday, November 8, 2014

Creators of Peace Circles in Mombasa County

For the first time two Creators of Peace Circles took place in Mombasa City, the second-largest city in Kenya, on 21-23 July, 2014 and 24-26 July, 2014 respectively reaching the hearts and minds of 32 women in total.

First Peace Circles in Mombasa County

We had a good discussion on what peace meant to the 17 participants at the first training. Definitions such as “Peace is harmony, love and unity among ourselves” amongst many others were given. The women also pointed out some Circles of Concern including tribalism, drug abuse, early pregnancies, insecurity, laziness and religious differences. It was difficult to get women to share personal stories on the first day, but after listening to one of the facilitators, Mediatrix Masava's story it became easier for them to open up and share their stories.

‘I thought I was the only one who had a difficult childhood, but after hearing the stories being shared, I feel strengthened and ready to share my own story,” shared Maureen on the second day.  ‘I had a vengeful spirit, and a very difficult person to forgive, but I now understand hate hurts you more than the person you hate!’ said Pauline.

After the 'Power of Forgiveness' session, Ann, one of the participants, who had separated from her husband after he cheated on her with her own sister found it in her heart to let go bitterness and hatred towards her ex-husband and forgive him.  ‘After days of reflection, and seeking inner peace I have decided to forgive my husband,’ she said as she held a drawing she had made of a lady and a man shaking hands.On the final day, the women were very active and joyful. Some of them freely accepted to let go bitterness and pain and accepted to forgive.

Second Creators of Peace Circles Mombasa County

‘I was touched by the thread exercise that we did in the introduction part. I realized how much we all need each other and how I take others for granted. I have learnt to listen and respect other people’s opinion.’ These were the words of Judith almost three months after the training took place. Judith was one of the 15 women, mostly young, who took part in the second Peace Circles in Mombasa.

As expressed by this group, some of the huge challenges of Mombasa are drug abuse, tribalism, prostitution and dropping out of school. One participant said that Mombasa is a harbour for drugs and many of the youth get involved with drugs leading to laziness, low economic output and generally wasting of their lives.

Reflection seemed to be a new idea to many of the participants and they received it positively. Vashty, one of the participants said, ‘I now understand why silence is wisdom and also an instrument to help build my inner muscles.’

Peace Circles have been helping women break free from hatred and bitterness, and this was true in Mombasa. Three months later when we called Mishi, another participant, she told us how Creators of Peace has transformed her life.  She said, ‘I now know how to let go bitterness and hatred. My neighbours are wondering what has happened to me because I have changed so much and I tell them about my experience with Peace Circles.’

During the 'Peace in Practice' session, the group decided to make use of the youth forums, churches and youth groups to pass the message of peace to other women both young and old. The Peace Circle came to an end by participants appreciating each other.

‘What a week of Fulfillment!’ says Mediatrix Masava and Annie Gitu, the two facilitators of the trainings.

It is with much appreciation and humility that we wish to thank the Irene Prestwitch (IPT) for the financial support that made this Creators of Peace possible.

By Mediatrix Masava & Njeri Kimanthi