South Sudanese living in Kenya for peace

Effective Living workshop part 2 took place in Juja on 16 June 2015 as a continuation of the first workshop that collectively brought together 35 young South Sudanese living in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties in Kenya.

These young people, who come from a country that has experienced years of political conflict which has caused death and displacement of a huge number of people, expressed their interest in playing a part in re-building South Sudan through different ways that could bring people together, irrespective of their differences in tribe and religion.

The film ‘The Imam and the Pastor’ was used as an input to demonstrate an initiative that from a personal level influences the thinking of the masses. In South Sudan’s context, communities in conflict are incited by political leaders and leave many people helpless following the destruction of properties, forcing people to run for safety, some becoming refugees and others ending up in criminal activities.

‘Everyone’s wish in my country is that we can collectively bring this kind of life to an end. When we got independence we thought things would be okay and people were overwhelmed. People had a deep sense of hope and optimism. Look at us now!! We are now fighting each other’, Simon Loka said.

‘There’s more than just incitement and illiteracy as the root causes of our problems. Political injustices and greed is also a problem in today’s system of governance. Everyone wants the bigger share of the limited opportunities. There are no jobs and life is very expensive. Many people die which the media does not even get to report because of fear. This film has touched me and I feel personally challenged. I can now see myself and I know where I need to start’, said Mark Longuma.

By Mike Muikia