A Creators of Peace (CoP) follow up in Mombasa took place on 25 July in Tuda. Nineteen women from two previous training events came together to share on how life has been since they went through Peace Circles training. This was a very interactive meeting where all participants made their contributions with so much passion and joy. Mombasa is an important regional tourism centre located on the East Coast of Kenya. It is also a major trade centre and home to Kenya's only large seaport and a high contributor to the Kenyan economy. The major religion practiced in the city is Islam.

Recently, prostitution, drug abuse, terrorism and radicalization have increased. For the city to be protected for the sake of all future generations the building of peace must be a priority.  ‘The ball of peace building came back to us women and we cannot kick out of the field. It is our responsibility to bring back what has been lost starting from right where we are,’ Alice, one of the participants, said to the rest of the women. She shared how she and two other women are talking to groups of women about peace.

Faith, another trainee, spoke off how the story sharing session had given her a lot of hope and increased optimism in her various situations. When the candle lighting was done, it was like 'therapy to her soul' she said. Apart from being able to mend a relationship with her relatives, she confidently shared how she had challenged a group of her friends over the phone and urged them to be catalysts of peace where they are.

Judith, a psychotherapist shared how the training had added value to her profession. The power of forgiveness touched her and she now shares it with her clients during sessions. Being passive about peace is participating in violence, she added and thus strives hard to be a good role model in her society.

Unanimously, the women suggested that they want to be trained as CoP trainers. Meanwhile, they felt the fire of peace burning in them and would do what God would enable them because they believed that this was His work that must be done diligently.

One thing that was also clear to them was the need to have a meeting the following weekend to discuss a strategy on how they would work together and also look at potential avenues to raise funds.  They also came up with an idea of having the group registered as a Community Based Organization.

As the meeting came to a close, the women pledged to keep the momentum and spirit of being peace creators going and symbolically ended with candle lighting and a song. They also appreciated the work and efforts of the CoP Organization. As a closing prayer, the Kenyan National Anthem was sung.

By Mumbi Wambugu