Many students still ask themselves, ‘What part can I play in making a difference in my immediate society?’ and ‘who are the people I can work with to effect change’? And in an effort to collectively create answers to these questions, Initiatives of Change Kenya through the Kenya I Care programme has been partnering with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) - one of the oldest higher education institutions in Kenya. Together they have created platforms for students to come together and search for answers to problems that are mainly caused by human relationships.
The Peace Unit Program (PUP), a programme in the university is one of the clubs creating a culture of ‘thinking peace and walking peace’ through partnership with other universities in the region. Every week PUP members meet and share stories of change, reflect and come up with activities that give direct messages on non-violence, conflict resolution and trust-building. The Kenya I Care programme has been featuring significantly during these meetings.
On the 19 July, 2012, Jomo Kenyatta University Students Association (JKUSO) in collaboration with PUP held a Peace Forum themed “Peace begins with me” to a) promote the inculcation of a culture of dialogue in higher learning institutions, b) establish creative channels through which students can be inspired to take an interest in peace building, human rights advocacy and conflict transformation processes as well as c) provide a nationwide forum for students leaders and administrators in tertiary institutions to share their experiences and to mobilize students at the University for a contribution towards solving conflict creatively.
Mike Muikia from Initiatives of Change Kenya and a student at the university made a presentation on “building trust through non-violent ways and through dialogue.” He also presented a short video on Gandhi’s ‘Satyagraha’, a principle that was founded upon non-violence to answer the society’s needs.
Also in the plenary was Professor Esther Kahangi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of JKUAT, who highlighted the importance of integrity in our pursuit for peace. As she addressed the scholars whom she called ‘the top layer of the society’, Professor Kahangi asked the students to strive and use their God-given intellect to promote peaceful coexistence between ethnic groups in and outside the institution. ‘I want to believe that all students who have attended this forum have been guided here by the conviction that-this is where to start making a true difference through joining others to advocate for peaceful societies,’ she said.
Students from five other higher institutions represented various groups at this auspicious event.’
We hope our combined efforts will be fruitful especially now that we are drawing close to the general elections.
Report by: Mike Muikia and Kelvin Gitau (IofC members and JKUAT students)