Unicaf, together with Kenya UNESCO Youth, UNESCO Kenya National Commission, Pastoralist Child Foundation and the Amali Foundation recently celebrated the annual International Peace Day Event over the course of two days, the 22nd and 23rd of September.
On day one, Unicaf and its fellow participants journeyed to Uaso Boys and Girls’ Secondary School. There, they conducted career guidance sessions, assisting students in exploring their passions, identifying their strengths and areas for improvement, all with the aim of helping them discern the most fitting career paths.
The partners also highlighted peace education with the students, in an attempt to help the students best develop their preconceptions, values, attitudes and behaviours, which will help them make their community a stronger, more harmonious place.
On day two, the International Peace Day Celebrations were held in Samburu County, which is unfortunately in a state of violent conflict between certain communities that are battling over resources including water, cattle and land. Due to the lack of state security and the commercialisation of cattle raiding, the County has been in a state of helplessness.
In response, UNESCO and all the participating organisations in the International Peace Day Celebrations held a Peace talk to all the youths, women and village elders in Kiltamany Village, under the theme of “Action for Peace.”
They highlighted the benefits of peace talks, and explained how they can extend inclusivity, mediation and empowerment, which can help to foster a lasting state of peace between the rival communities. The women of the village also implored the elders to play a more leading role in preserving peace and avoiding conflict at all costs.
As Unicaf Country Manager, Ms Winnie Rachael, simply put it: “When youths, women and elders coexist peacefully, they can work together harmoniously towards common goals, creating a more tightly-knit and supportive community.”
