Short-term (2 to 4 weeks) "peace study camp" project in Kenya

13th June 2015

Kehancha, Kuria, South West Kenya

Peace Building and conflict Transformation

Gibarori Primary School is situated in Maeta Sub-location, Maeta location, Kegonga division of Kuria. It is situated approximately 3 Km from Kehancha town, headquarters of the larger Kuria East and West Districts.
The school was founded in 1981 by community members and has a population of over 580 pupils with over 10 teaching staff employed by the Teachers service commission (TSC).

The local community is predominantly Kuria that spread across Kenya and Tanzania. They neighbour the Maasai community and they are traditionally small scale farmers and engage in small scale businesses revolving around agriculture.

Volunteers will work for six hours daily from Monday to Friday. They will work together with the local community members on the following manual work and intercultural activities...

Brick making and construction.
Home visits and topical discussion with the local people.
Cultural days for various nationalities.
Talks on peace building and conflict transformation.

These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

PEACE BUILDING AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
The signing of the peace agreements in Africa is indeed commendable and raises new hopes for peace and development. However, peace agreements do not automatically translate into a resolution of the grievances or issues which caused the conflict in the first place.  From a peace builder’s perspective, these accords offer new opportunities to reorder society, its structures and institutions, processes and relationships, in a manner that diminishes the possibility of a recurrence of violence and improves the potential for social justice. Reconciliation among former protagonists at all levels is crucial for long-term peace and development.

The conflict is between the Kuria and Maasai communities of Kenya who are neighbours and share a common border near Kenya/Tanzania border and it is ignited by land issues scramble for scarce resources and politics. The Maasai and pastoralists while the Kuria community is engaged in small scale farming. The nature of conflict has led to incessant fights, burning of houses, cattle theft, killings and displacement of families in the orgy of violence.

Will be done on 13th June 2015 at KVDA Residence in Nairobi and the team will leave for the project on the morning of 14th June 2015.

This will be done subject to provision of full flight details. The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Volunteers will stay at KVDA Residence in Nairobi at a fee.

The volunteers will be accommodated in School classrooms in very basic conditions where there will beds no beds.. KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will prepare their own meals in turns. Volunteers have an obligation to climb down the level of the people with the aim of exposure to development challenges. Water is available from springs and it is highly recommended that drinking water is boiled or medicated. Mineral water available at supermarkets is also recommended. There is no electricity connection at the School but volunteers will be able to charge electric appliances at the nearest market center.

English is the language of the work camp. There will be a possibility of learning Kiswahili and other international and local languages as cultural diversity is a major component in international service.

Will be sent to the volunteer sending organization as soon as the application is accepted by KVDA.

Should be done via e-mail at least one month before the start of the project.

The project participation fees that is all-inclusive for the three weeks work camp is Euro 300.

KVDA does not provide insurance and volunteers should obtain travel insurance cover. It is a good idea to get medicine you are used to from your home country and seek advice from your personal doctor.

WHAT DOES THE PARTICIPATION FEES COVER?
Project preparation cycle, return transfer from the airport and the project, KVDA administration, orientation, certificate of participation, project coordination, facilitation, evaluation and monitoring.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
Excursion activities, local travel while in the community, personal effects, needs and wants.

KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information.