Monday, May 24, 2010
Author: 
Ann Njeri

The first of three consecutive Creators of Peace Circles workshop happening at St Mary’s Pastoral Centre, Nakuru, Kenya has come to a successful end. The first workshop consisting of 13 women, young and middle aged coming from Western, North Eastern, Rift Valley, and Central parts of Kenya, started on 20 May, 2010.

Peace Circle participants - group 1 Right from the beginning, the participants couldn’t hide their deep concerns and pains concerning their families, society and the country. The critical need and desire for peace and happiness that comes from within and the lack of it was quite apparent. The story sharing sessions were the highlight of the programme. The pain and the struggles many of the women have been through was very intense and moving and the pain some of them are still experiencing is just unimaginable. In spite of all of this, they still can afford to smile, laugh, sing and above all commit to be creators of peace.

The longing to forgive and to be forgiven was expressed with many having tears on their faces. ‘Forgiveness is not something simple’ said one of the ladies, ‘Forgiveness is the door to peace’ shared another.

Many homes are broken and peaceless, even though they look steady and beautiful from the outside. ‘Our homes are made of broken pieces. We can put together these pieces and make peace’ expressed one lady. ‘After the painful relationship I have had with my husband, I now want to go and mend it”. “I will invite him to have a forgiveness moment with me’ shared another.

The women have left with a commitment to be ambassadors of peace. ‘I want to take this message to the people in the grassroots in my area.’ said Beatrice ‘Many of them are suffering a lot especially after the post election violence and they need a lot of healing and reconciliation’. This is very timely with a referendum about a new State Constitution being held next August.

The second group of women starts the workshop today and the last group will finish on 26 May, 2010. Joanne Nabbanja (Uganda), Christiane Garin (Switzerland) and Ann Wamuchori (Kenya) are the facilitators.