Request for Peace Education Training in Kenya
by Sr. Veronica Rop

Peace Education for Eldoret, Kenya (PEEK), is a pilot project born out of my own initiative to alleviate the suffering of my native people in Kenya, particularly in Eldoret. After the violence that broke out in December 2007, after the presidential election in Kenya, the social fabric of our society has been torn apart. Having attended a number of peace education workshops offered by Peace Education Foundation (PEF) in Miami Florida, it became clear to me that peace is a possible reality in Kenya if we are offered some education on peace.

The goal of this project is to provide training and materials for children and adults in the dynamics of conflict, peacemaking skills, and promoting reconciliation in homes, schools, parishes, and communities in Eldoret, Kenya. The project will integrate educational, counseling and theological concepts with the view of seed peace values and attitudes in the minds of the Kenyan children in Eldoret. This project intends to contribute towards transforming how the diverse groups living in Eldoret view those who may share different values and beliefs than their own. Besides working with my own Assumption Sisters of Eldoret, I intend to network with other groups, organizations and sisters.

We hope that this collaboration will serve as a first step towards networking, bringing diverse groups to work together towards restoring some of the trust lost during the recent violence. We hope to begin by training about 150 to 200 sisters and teachers from schools within Eldoret Diocese in Kenya's Rift Valley, in July of 2008.

 

Background on the Assumption Sisters of Eldoret (A.S.E)

Assumption Sisters of Eldoret is a local congregation of Diocesan status. With over 100 members with almost every tribe represented, the congregation has demonstrated their capacity to minister to all people, without discrimination, during tribal clashes and in the recent post-election crisis.

In addition to pastoral work, the Assumption Sisters of Eldoret undertake the following ministries in seven diocese across Kenya:

• Women's Advocacy: especially those far behind in education, and those living with HIV-AIDS etc.
• Child Advocacy: especially the street children, set up schools and rehabilitation centers
• Peace and Reconciliation: bringing together different tribes
• Education: Work and administer in diverse learning institutions
• Social work: Helping the elderly, orphans, street children and participate in any needs of our people