“This workshop marks a new beginning in my life” Peace Circles in Nginyang, Baringo County- Kenya

The Creators of Peace Circle training, held from July 10-12, 2024, at Nginyang Chief's Camp, Baringo County in Kenya, was attended by 17 women from diverse backgrounds, including young women, widows, single women, and differently abled individual. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 60 years. The training began with high expectations and enthusiasm among the participants. Many of the women were already familiar with the Creators of Peace initiative from previous trainings in neighboring communities. They were eager to experience the positive impacts they had observed in others who had previously undergone the training.

One participant shared, "After I received the invitation, I was counting the days until the training began. It felt like a year waiting for it. I saw how well my friend was doing after the training, and her health was improving because she had found inner peace. I couldn’t wait to experience that for myself."

Another participant, who had experienced domestic violence and the tragic loss of her children, expressed her initial skepticism. "I was worried about what peace entails. I couldn’t imagine having peace within myself after everything I had been through. But now, I see it as a possibility."

The second day of training was filled with songs of hope, reflecting the joy and hope growing in the participants' hearts. The group, predominantly Christian, sang and danced with newfound enthusiasm.

One participant recounted a touching moment with her children: "For the first time, I went home early, prepared dinner, and greeted my children warmly when they returned from school. My child noticed the change and said, 'Mother, today you have treated us very differently. We feel good and hope you continue this way.' I realized my behavior was affecting them more than I was aware of."

A significant aspect of the training was the power of forgiveness. Participants created symbolic drawings and crafts representing the pain they had been carrying. They sang and danced around these images as a means of seeking forgiveness, healing, and finding peace. The visible relief and joy on their faces marked the beginning of their emotional healing. The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive.

One stated, "This workshop marks a new beginning in my life. I have forgiven everyone and even asked for forgiveness from my fellow participants if I had wronged anyone."

The training concluded with an atmosphere of love and peace. Participants hugged, smiled, and held hands as they parted, a stark contrast to how the training began. They composed a song about peace and formed a group to visit each other every week on Sunday. In addition, they decided to create a merry-go-round scheme to support one another with household shopping and strengthen their bond. They committed to continue with the peace-related trainings to become agents of peace creation.

The Peace Circles were facilitated by Annastacia Munene, Mary Kuket and Gloria J. Rutto.

CoP Kenya is very grateful to IPT, SZF, IofC Kenya and Shoshana, who have made the Peace Circles Possible.

By Gloria Rutto