"Culture is a way of life; it is our expression of what is in our minds" - Kamau.
Our dialogue on week 5 was on culture particularly looking at ways in which we can embrace diverse cultures. We have 42 tribes and though we coexist harmoniously during election time divisions arise as politicians seek votes along ethnic lines.

Tensions and mistrust within interfaith and interethnic communities have led to violent extremism in Kenya. Mutual understanding and connection is created through honest dialogues and outreach activities.

The Family dialogue, designed as intergenerational, started after the participants broke into two groups of different ages and genders, one being between the ages of 20-35 years and the other group between the ages of 36 – 56 years. Bennet asked these groups to acknowledge their short comings in the society which leads to the dysfunctions within families. The question posed by the facilitator was, ‘What is it that the older generation needs to acknowledge about the younger generation’s social behaviours and their responsibilities and vice versa?

Remembering what my worth is , Creators of Peace Diepkloof, South Africa. One participant during the session on Circles of Concern said, “I’m grateful for the space given for me to look into what stresses me about myself and my family.  I am realising that the disunity in my family stresses me.  I feel there is a lot that can be done to unite the family.  Ayanda said, “I’m aware of my lies about my health (on medication for bipolar disorder) and it concerns me.  I know I can do something about it.  However, I feel I won’t do anything now because I still feel judgement from my family about my health and my body weight.”

Some of the expectations the group set for themselves:  Being honest with oneself: discerning what is anger and what is hurt; growing inner peace; sustaining peace; healing from historical wounds;  improving communication skills, learning how to resolve your an

Initiatives of Change with the Creators of Peace Programme, Olieven Development Association and (Carina van Zyl) partnered to deliver a Peace Circle to the residents of Olievenhoutbosch and surrounding areas as a foundation for Family Trustbuilding Dialogues. Creators of Peace had a target of 80 individuals. On the 13th to the 20th of October 2021 we managed to reach 44 participants separated into two groups who went through a peace circle. The first group consisted of 5 men participants and 18 female, aged 20 – 45, whilst the second group had 19 women and 2 men, aged 20-50. Majority of these participants are unemployed residents of various extensions of Olievenhoutbosch, others just finished their matric and are looking for work opportunities to make a living whilst others are care workers at Future Families Organisation based at Olievenhoutbosch. Most of them are from homelands in different parts of the Limpopo Province. There was one participant who came to the workshop with a 3 year-old boy because there was no one to look after the child.

Gugulethu community is a densely populated township in Cape Town, approx. 600 km's from their original homes at the Eastern Cape. Many of Gugulethu residents migrated looking for work and opportunities to further their studies. Issues like lack of family support, communication and unity were the most shared feelings. Sadly many come from broken families, have lost family members and haven't managed to grief the loved ones, women having to be single parents while fathers are absent b choice or in jail.. Some have had to raise their siblings from an early age. Cape town is a beautiful city but the black & Coloured families in low settlement communities are stretched in pain and discomfort searching for healing and a miracle.

The Nakuru National library is one among five few libraries in the country to have an American corner within. This space which is under the American Embassy allows for different programs to happen all aimed at improving relations and capacity building to the citizen.

This is a talent nurturing group which comprises 28 members 7 senior adults and 21 youths. The objective of the group is to do advocacy in various issues. The group has a patron and trainers who have been active in iofc work therefore issues of moral values dominate their message and activities. They set off with a message on how we should safe guarding ourselves against Corona virus as well as calling out for people to have faith so as to make it through the pandemic. They also address various social issues and present them in form of skits, poetry, rap, songs and dance. These include personal discipline, domestic issues, gender, leadership, political maturity and much more.

Kenya I Care program therefore explores dynamics within the society and the needs arising due to social, economic and political extremes in order to inspire meaningful lives in young people. Every year many schools are reached by this program, and many other young people in different forums.

 Since covid 19 hit our country– there has been challenges in the flow of the program. However, Subukia the program has still been running. This happens at Subukia Vocational Training Centre. this is a technical training centre targeting high school levers who do not make it to campus. The centre provides training in various technical discipline namely motro vehicle mechanic, electrical and electronics, building and construction, fashion and design , beauty and cosmetics among others. We therefore have a group of young mature adults learning. This calls for a need to guide them on different issues as well as to train them to be capable guiding peers of others. There is therefore, a 2 hour session every Friday afternoon to cater for this.