The training on embracing diversity has opened my eyes to the role that myths and stereotypes play in advancing ethnic conflicts in the society. I commend CEEC for this peace building initiative because it is enabling people to seriously reflect on the roles, they play in advancing division in the society and the ways in which they can address the problem.

The intergender forums held by CEEC to combat gender-based violence in the informal settlements have challenged me to become a better youth, a better father and a better husband. Thank you CEEC for empowering us to be the change that the society needs.

The group counselling sessions on alcohol and narcotics addiction provided by CEEC have empowered me with the knowledge, strength and courage to work towards living an alcohol-free life. The support group has additionally enabled me to become more accountable by reducing my intake of alcohol.

The training by CEEC has enlightened me on the effects that socialization has in creating patriarchal leadership systems and structures. Socialization within a patriarchal setting creates a mentality in the society that leadership and decision-making roles should be reserved for men. It is therefore imperative to let go of such retrogressive beliefs and to create a society where women can participate in leadership equally with men.

The intergenerational dialogues held by CEEC provided a platform to address major issues of diversity that exist in our community here in Kibra. The major take home was the reminder that we should not allow political leaders to divide us. Violence will only have repercussions for our community and not the politicians.

The tree planting exercise at Kilimani Police Station was my first encounter with the police as we engaged them using a non-violent advocacy approach. I had been in various interactions with police but not at a level where we could sit down and deliberate on issues at hand. This has boosted my confidence levels a lot and I am grateful to CEEC for enabling this to happen.

We have realized that as parents we are doing a good job of educating both boys and girls but when it comes to leadership, we fail by denying the girl the opportunity to lead. We have let our culture dictate to us that the place of  women is in the kitchen yet we have seen that women too can lead. It is time to change our mindset, thanks to CEEC for empowering male allies for women’s leadership in Burnt Forest, Eldoret.

The  meeting to validate Baseline Survey findings on Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Kiambu County  allowed us to discuss challenges that the administrators are facing with regards to combating alcohol and substance abuse. The problem is pervasive and it is time that all stakeholders come together and provide solutions before we lose an entire generation of our youth.

As a beneficiary of the women’s leadership training where we learned that just like men, women too can take up leadership roles, i felt the need to sensitize my community in Tarakwa on the importance of women leadership.  I will be taking up the role of sensitizing  women particularly on how they can overcome barriers in attaining leadership positions, using positive masculinities and femininities.

Quoting from Isaiah 11:16 “the lion shall lie down with the lamb“ after an exchange visit between village elders from Burnt Forest and those from Murang’a.

Prior to CEEC’s project on Active Nonviolence Advocacy against Police Brutality, we had a strained relationship with some police officers in Huruma. We could not freely move in to the station to even bail out a suspect. Thanks to the initiative of CEEC which facilitated our painting the station as we delivered a petition to address police brutality. That exercise improved our interaction with the officers within the station and we can now easily walk into the Station for any form of support.

The training by CEEC on Combating Electoral Gender Based Violence through Positive Masculinities and Femininities gave me an opportunity to share my experience in politics with other women aspiring to join political leadership. The most important lesson was that whereas women face multiple barriers in their quest to earn political seats, they can overcome the barriers and take up leadership positions by ignoring the naysayers, participating in decision making processes, working with male allies and supporting fellow women in political leadership.

The training on embracing diversity has enabled me to keep an open mind as I relate with others. I have learnt that everyone’s opinion matters and that there is no need to impose one’s ideas onto others. Additionally, CEEC created a platform and gave me the opportunity to facilitate forums on embracing diversity in the community. This has given me a sense of belonging and improved my facilitation skills.

Communication is key to peaceful co-existence in our families and our community. Let us talk to each other and not at each other.