PROGRAM : NVC in the Field DATE: Friday 2nd - Monday 5th October 2020
TRAINING LOCATION: Rusinga Island, Homa Bay County,Kenya
TRAINING LOCATION: Rusinga Island, Homa Bay County,Kenya
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Kenya was deeply wounded by the 2007-2008 post election violence, rooted in inter-ethnic resentments that led to the loss of lives of thousands and displacement of many more. In a country with more than 40 tribes, it has been evident how tribal politics, steered by politicians with different interests can trigger peaceful co-existence. This was an awakening call that inspired a group of Kenyan youth to come together to learn and share NVC with the hope of rewriting the Kenyan story. More than a decade later, we are still committed to living and sharing this awareness, and using it to promote the peaceful coexistence of all Kenyan communities. As the NVC Kenyan network, registered as Tuzungumze Amani Foundation, our main aim is to enhance the knowledge, awareness and sharing of NVC (Marshall Rosenberg) at the grassroots level in Kenyan communities. In order to achieve this, both the Kenyan certified NVC trainers and certification candidates are spread across different counties where they offer training to the local communities, groups and institutions. Our mission is to continue supporting individuals, groups and communities not only to learn and share NVC, but also enhance connections.
We believe that peace comes from being able to contribute what we have, and all that we are, in creating a world that supports everyone, in this continuous journey. NVC to us therefore means being in touch with and being aware of both our individual and communal needs, and at the same time, taking responsibility towards creating a world where everybody’s needs matter.
To achieve our aspirations; we have been implementing a range of projects, among them; NVC in the Bush, NVC by the Lakeside, NVC for Help At Hand, Daraja la Amani, The Women project,1% for change, among others, with our most recent one being NVC in the field, held in October 2020. The NVC in the Field training was held on 3rd and 4th October 2020, in Rusinga island, Homa bay county. The first day involved indoor sessions for the certification candidates with the support of the two certified Kenyan NVC trainers. The second training day was held in the field where participants from two local football teams were supported to learn non-violent communication skills. Friday 2nd and Monday 5th October were the travelling days.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Our objectives for this initiative were; To support transformation of retributive justice to restorative justice through non-violent communication circles. To support certification candidates in journal writing, training and presentation skills as well as how to manage groups/participants in practical sessions. To train and educate individuals and groups on non-violent communication and promote compassionate communication To mediate and facilitate connection between different individuals and youth groups. To enhance self awareness and mental clarity of individuals in the practice of non-violent communication processes. To utilize the funds allocated for the attainment of any or all objectives above and to do anything as incidental or conducive to the attainment of these goals. TRAINING METHODS Our trainings are aimed at creating natural safe spaces for learning and therefore mostly held outdoors.
Participants get a chance to discuss in groups, engage in fun-learning activities, participate in role plays as well as the NVC dances using practical case examples. Both days commenced with an introductory session, where topics of interest, expectations and thresholds for decision-making were discussed. The participants also got a chance to express their understanding of non-violent communication and other interests they had for the sessions. The team also deliberated on the shared purpose of the group and hence an agreement on individual responsibility towards the achievement of the shared goals.