I can only give what I have - Creators of Peace in Chepkalacha village, Baringo County, Kenya
Chepkalacha village is in Tangulbei division of East Pokot in Baringo County. This was the venue of a three-day Creators of Peace (CoP) training workshop. The training took place from the 9th to 11th of May 2016. It brought together a group of 20 women from the Pokot community. This area has experienced conflict between the Pokot, Illchamus, Endorois and Tugen communities due to their cattle rustling cultures.
The workshop was officially opened by the area Chief, Mr. Jeremiah Sapan, who was also the CoP team host for the three days. The training began on a high note with the ladies ready and eager to learn more about peace, starting with themselves. Session after session the women got to become freer, more comfortable and at home with the discussion topics.
Participants like Esther shared very painful stories and experiences. Her mother abandoned her because she was darker skinned compared to her elder sister who was light in complexion. This caused a rift within the family that hadn’t been solved, ‘I am praying to God that I will find a way to reconcile the family without hurting anyone,' she ended.
The women poured out their hurting experiences and pointed out that the story sharing experience was effective in beginning a journey of healing and enabling them to move on.
The road situation was a major challenge. It was made worse by the massive rains that were causing landslides, breaking roads and destroying bridges. This forced the team to change the initial venue of training to a different location since the roads were impassable. It was also very cold at night and high temperatures during the day. ‘Thank you for braving our road situation and making time to share this training with us. It has in a way made me brave and I now believe I have the strength to stand before a multitude and speak. I couldn’t do that before,’ commented one lady. ‘Thank you so much for coming. This was priceless. Thank you for teaching me that I can only give what I have, hence peace begins with me,’ said another.
On the last day the closing was graced by the area District Officer, Mr. Omukoko. He presented the ladies with certificates to affirm that they had fully accomplished the training and that now they are qualified peace creators in the area. He promised the women that he would fully support them in the initiatives that they were going to take to make the area better. This included disciplinary measures to women who drink alcohol and become a nuisance in the community, as well as work towards the abolishment of Female Genital Mutilation that is still practised in secret.
Report by: EstherMarrie Inzekellah