Our (Initiatives of Change (IofC) Kenya) partnership with International Peace Initiative (IPI) is still going on.  

 This time round the members gave the solutions to some of the issues in which everyone had to take a role in making it happen. ‘We should give specific people among us roles to play so that this initiative does not die. Many initiatives die when they are left at the mercy of everybody” said one of the elders.’  

We later had time to view the film – African Answer where the truth of what might happen again if we do not learn from the past came to the fore. ‘We were lucky that nothing like that happened here. We should make sure that this will never occur here,’ said the area assistant chief who has been very positive towards this program. ‘We will also mobilize the whole community to give the 500 signatures the District Commissioner (DC) asked for so that he can cancel the permits of those selling alcohol here.’ Taking of alcohol and drugs abuse was seen to be a great threat to the security of this nation. It is lucky that the Kithoka Amani Community Home, where we had met, is a host of some thirteen orphans and vulnerable kids. So the reality of broken homes due to alcohol, AIDS and other social problems is evident. 

Esther Inzekella, one of the visiting IofC members, also shared her life story which was a great inspiration. ‘You are courageous and determined. That is the kind of spirit we need to succeed.’ One of the participants concluded. 

We also had a youth peace forum in which we were amazed by how the young children of the Kithoka community not only understand but also seriously advocates for peace in their neighbourhood. It was fascinating to see primary school kids working hard to create peace in their community! ‘How many of you have been involved in creating peace in your school or home since you decided to join the peace club?’ Dr. Karambu, the president of IPI, asked the children. Some of them shared how they have tried to bring about peace both at home and at school. It was great to see young ones so passionate about peace in the community.  

Their great vision for the peace clubs that have been started in their schools was also very remarkable. The climax of our meeting was role playing based on real experiences. This helped us to make our point clear - that before we 'rest in peace' we should have made peace.

The students asked again and again for a continuation of these peace forums. And true to our calling we hope to go back there soon.  

Report by Esthermarrrie Inzekella and John Njoroge