Empowering People to Experience & Practice Peace Inside-Out-November 2024
AMANI COMMUNITIES AFRICA
Empowering People to experience and practice peace inside- out
Greetings of Peace,
We are excited to share with you highlights of our ongoing work in promoting peace in Africa.
We are pleased to share with you an update on our efforts in the month of November towards building communities of peace.
We also want to express our gratitude to all of our partners for the support and collaboration.
We wish you a peaceful month ahead.
Amani Communities Africa.
Mediation Training
We are glad to have had the successful completion of two mediation training programs, held in partnership with International Leadership University-Kenya and Resolve 360.
A hearty congratulations to our dedicated mediators from Kenya, Uganda, DRC, and Nigeria! They successfully completed our rigorous 40-hour Mediation and Conflict Transformation Training. These skilled individuals are now qualified to become IMI - International Mediation Institute certified mediators.
We are honored to welcome them to our expanding network of peacebuilders, committed to promoting harmony and resolution. Without a doubt, their knowledge will help build a society that is more just and peaceful.
Transforming to Transform: Mentorship Program
The Transforming to Transform: Mentorship Program brought together 19 young ladies, from Naretoi and Cara Girls Group. The second session was centered on crucial aspects of personal development: identity, self-awareness, wellness, and personal leadership. Recognizing self-awareness and personal growth as very necessary for long-term success, the program emphasized these crucial elements.
The ladies have continued to demonstrate their firm commitment to the program's objectives which is very encouraging. These monthly sessions mark significant steps forward in the "Transforming to Transform" mentorship program, equipping young women with the essential tools and knowledge for both personal and professional growth.
The Third Mediation Conference
Joy Gitau represented Amani Communities Africa at the 3rd Mediation Conference by speaking on Bridging Cultural Divides: Mediation Strategies for Resolving Intercommunity Conflicts. Joy offered a comprehensive perspective on cultural identity, particularly in the context of peace and justice work. She viewed culture as a "collective programming of the mind," suggesting that it is not just an abstract concept but something that shapes individuals' thoughts, behaviors, and interactions.
According to Joy, culture is deeply embedded in various aspects of life, such as appearance, language, traditions, and values, which collectively create a framework through which people understand the world. However, this framework can sometimes lead to the perpetuation of stereotypes, which can complicate mediation efforts, as these stereotypes can hinder understanding and breed misunderstandings between conflicting parties.
She emphasized that one of the key responsibilities of a mediator is to address these stereotypes with sensitivity. A mediator must ensure that each party feels heard, valued, and respected, regardless of their cultural background. In her view, mediators must be aware of their own cultural biases and actively work to create an environment where each party feels safe to express their views and concerns. This approach not only helps resolve the conflict but also create a deeper level of mutual respect and understanding between the parties involved.
Joy also highlighted the influence of global movements and urban environments, particularly cities like Nairobi, which are increasingly cosmopolitan and multicultural. In these urban settings, people from diverse cultural backgrounds come into contact more frequently, which often leads to conflicts based on cultural misunderstandings. As workplaces and communities become more diverse, it is inevitable that these conflicts will arise, and they are often rooted in deeply held cultural values that may be misunderstood by others.
Kabusha Wellness Retreat
The Kabusha Wellness Retreat was more than an escape from the day-to-day; it was a journey of self-discovery. It gave an opportunity to look deep within into the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, soul, and heart, participants took a transformative journey of their inner self. The retreat was a sanctuary for reflection, renewal, and growth, aligning with the overarching theme: “Leading with Soul.”
On day one, participants explored the illusion that happiness is an external pursuit. Through intimate conversations and introspective exercises, they recognized the profound truth: true happiness blossoms from within. The power of imagination, they discovered, is not a fantasy; it is our reality. This realization was an awakening that empowered the participants to cultivate a life of joy and fulfillment.
Day two went into the core human needs: identity, belonging, security, competence, and purpose. Participants were challenged to redefine their sense of self, moving beyond external validation and embracing a deeper understanding of their unique identity. The importance of strong, supportive relationships resounded throughout, emphasizing the importance of belonging and security in emotional well-being.
The retreat culminated in a profound release. Participants shed the heavy weight of limiting beliefs – fear, shame, and self-doubt – and embraced a renewed sense of purpose and authenticity. The powerful mantra, "Pain not transformed will be transferred," was a stark reminder that confronting and processing our pain is not optional; it is essential for our growth and healing.
The Kabusha Wellness Retreat was organized by Amani Communities Africa (ACA) and Civsource Legacy, in partnership with the Women Regional Network of Peacebuilders-Kenya(WRN-K) and the Sustainable Futures Africa (SFA) Foundation.
The East Africa Philanthropy Network Members Summit
The East Africa Philanthropy Network Members Summit, held from November 26th to 29th, 2024, at the Diamond Leisure Beach and Golf Resort, Diani, Kenya, proved to be a resounding success. This gathering brought together over 100 leaders from member organizations, offering a valuable platform for connection, conversation, and collective action.
The program blended insightful masterclasses, engaging group reflections, and opportunities for relaxation and social interaction. The focus of one of the masterclasses was on "Building Sustainable Philanthropy Models: Implementing Effective Practices for Long-term Impact and Financial Resilience." Key insights were shared by:
Mr. Emmanuel Birech and Ms. Wanjiku Jean from Microsoft facilitated on "Strategic Leadership in the Digital Age: Harnessing Technology and Innovation for Transformative Philanthropy." They provided insights into leveraging technology and innovation within the philanthropic sector. They showcased a range of tools and strategies from the Microsoft product catalog to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and impact. Additionally, Mr. Arif Neky from the UN SDG Partnership Platform, Kenya, shared innovative financing models that can enhance the long-term sustainability and scalability of philanthropic initiatives while mitigating economic risks.
Annual Mediators convention
The Annual Mediators Convention was held from 27th-29th November 2024 in Mombasa, Kenya. The aim of the convention was to bring together mediators and peacebuilders from across the country based on the theme, “Mediation as a Tool for Building Peaceful Communities.” The topics of discussion included uniting all mediators and peace practitioners, encouraging a shared passion for peacebuilding, and highlighting the transformative power of community mediation.
A keynote address by Samuel Nderitu went into the concept and importance of community mediation, explored the legal framework for mediation in Kenya, and emphasized the crucial role of culture in conflict resolution. A subsequent panel discussion engaged participants in a dialogue about the unique challenges faced by various communities (religious, generational, educational) and explored potential solutions for issues such as generational gaps, domestic violence, child custody, and teacher-student conflicts.
The sessions encompassed a variety of conversations, including strategies for achieving unity among peace practitioners, opportunities for networking and conversation, the significance of mentorship for aspiring private mediators, and insights from the Mombasa Region on their approaches to community mediation.
Africa Peace and Environment Summit