A Life Changing Experience- CoP Follow Up Meeting- Kisumu.

The Creators of Peace (CoP) Kenya team had another opportunity to meet and interact with 14 women that had gone through the intensive three days CoP training in Kisumu County in 2014.  The interaction was during a follow- up session that took place on the 13 June, at the Shauri Moyo Baptist Church in Kisumu.  According to these women the CoP training was a life changing experience.

Checking against the main objectives of these follow-up sessions, which is to determine the impact and effect of the CoP training, we can confidently say that CoP has left positive transformation in the lives of many of these women.

Alice says that she vividly remembers several topics but was more touched by inner listening. ‘I have learnt that when you listen to your inner voice for guidance, it helps you ask for forgiveness whenever there is something wrong around you. The topic of Inner Listening led me to write a letter of forgiveness to my colleague at work as we had been enemies for a long time. From that time my life changed and more doors are opening for me.’

‘All the topics that were taught during the training, taught me how to listen to others, to myself and to reflect.  Since then, I have really changed the manner in which I used to  judge things and people,’ shared Dorcas.

Many women shared how the training experience had changed their lives, personalities and ways of thinking. They are all working to light more “candles.” As motivation and encouragement to them, we shared the kind of work that is ongoing in Baringo county, where the Pokot women had taken the initiative by apologizing to other inflicted communities in the spirit of peace building. 

The women committed themselves to keep the momentum of candle lighting (preaching peace) by organizing more and more training sessions for themselves (with our support) and also using other venues like their homes, schools, churches, market places, and even hospitals. ‘…Forgiveness can heal a bedridden patient….,’ said one of the ladies.

The commitment was further enhanced by reciting a peace pledge, the symbolic candle lighting and singing of our national anthem so that as they commit down here on earth, may it be so to the most high.

The Creators of Peace Kenya wishes to thank Irene Prestwich Trust Fund (IPT) and Friends of Africa Fund (FoA) who financially supported this meeting.

Report by – EstherMarrie Inzekellah  and Rachael Wamalwa

Photo Credits - Sam Mwaura