Nine teachers from Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia Counties have been equipped with skills and tools to establish children-led community peace laboratories in schools.
The training was conducted by the Re-Imagining Communities, a peace-building and communication organization in collaboration with the Inua Village Global Foundation with sponsorship from ‘We One Network’ in training the first cohort of teachers during a workshop held in Likuyani Sub County on Wednesday.
Speaking during the training session, Re-Imagining New Communities officer Salim Charles said that the impact of violence on children living in conflict-affected areas is far-reaching.
“Lack of attention and mental support has greatly affected children’s emotional development and social functioning and negatively impacted their academic performance,’ he said.
He noted that due to conflict, many of the children have developed post-traumatic stress disorders as a result of witnessing violence within their homes or in the communities in which they live.
“This programme also aims to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to support children, teachers, and other people in the community to become more resilient and aware of the chronic violence that plagues their communities,” Salim added.
Gladys Sigali, a beneficiary and the head teacher of Holy Trinity School, thanked the organization for the training revealing she is now equipped to address conflict between teachers, parents, children, and the rest of the community.
“I am eager to share this newfound knowledge not only with the children at my school but also with those in my church community. I believe that spreading this understanding of peace-building will make a positive impact in their lives,” she said.
The organisation aims to utilize the peace laboratories to create safe spaces for children aged 7–12 in Grades 4–6 in conflict-affected communities to learn, practice, and develop essential peace-building skills.
Community peace labs are one of the flagship programmes of the organisation through the children-led peace initiative, which also aims to provide a safe space for children to actively engage in conversations about their communities and the democratic process.
By Vostine Ratemo
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