Re-Imagining New Communities, a peacebuilding and communication organisation in Kenya, has equipped nine teachers from Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia Counties with skills and tools to establish children-led community peace laboratories in schools.
The organisation aims to utilise the peace laboratories to create safe spaces for children aged 7–12 in Grades 4–6 in conflict-affected communities to learn, practice, and develop essential peacebuilding skills.
Community peace labs are one of the flagship programmes of the organisation through the children-led peace initiative, which also aims to provide a safe space for children to actively engage in conversations about their communities and the democratic process.
The organisation collaborated with the Inua Village Global Foundation with sponsorship from ‘We One Network’ in training the first cohort of teachers during a workshop held in Likuyani Sub County.
Speaking during the training session, Re-Imagining New Communities officer Salim Charles said that the impact of violence on children living in conflict-affected areas is far-reaching.
“Lack of attention and mental support has greatly affected children’s emotional development and social functioning and negatively impacted their academic performance,’ he reiterated.
He noted that due to conflict, many of the children have developed post-traumatic stress disorders as a result of witnessing violence within their homes or in the communities in which they live.
“This programme also aims to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to support children, teachers, and other people in the community to become more resilient and aware of the chronic violence that plagues their communities,” Salim noted.
“I now possess enhanced skills in active listening and conflict management. I am motivated to establish a peace lab at my school where students can benefit from the knowledge and practices shared during the programme. By creating a safe space dedicated to peacebuilding, I hope to foster a culture of harmony and understanding among my students,” said Jane Mbugua, the head teacher of Telewa Memorial School.
Glady’s Sigali, who is the head teacher of Holy Trinity School, said she is now equipped to address conflict between teachers, parents, children, and the rest of the community.
“I am eager to share this newfound knowledge not only with the children at my school but also with those in my church community. I believe that spreading this understanding of peacebuilding will make a positive impact in their lives,” she remarked.
Grace Wangari from Re-Imagining New Communities clarified that through a grassroots approach, the organisation aims to continue impacting the lives of children and communities, fostering peace and resilience in the face of adversity.
“Teachers always interact with children. They play a vital role in shaping their students’ lives. They will therefore become catalysts for change within their educational environments,” she added.
By Moses Wekesa
