SMS CENTER-+254 713 465220

Dear friends,

I would like to bring to your attention that Voluntary Youth Philanthropists has an sms centre +254 713465220 where you can post what you are doing on the ground for peace and development and or any other constructive information you may be having for a better Kenya and world at large.

You can use the sms centre to report/inform
1. the world what is happening around you.
2. share invovative projects
3. get known globally
4. share youth issues
5. or basically tell us about your community the way of life etc.
6. and much more depending on what you would like the world to know about you and your area

It will also be a way of networking youth and all with similarities and also sharing ideas. Always tell us where you are, you may or may not disclose your name but we can call you back to verify or learn more about your text message. lets talk.

Remember you can only send an text message to the number but you cannot call the number. After we have received your sms we shall write a report / send it online for the world to read about what you want us to know. The smses will be posted to www.peacecaravan.ushahidi.com site.

Please forward

VYP is redesigning the website watch out.

Peace Caravan – Mt Elgon

VYP has been following the on goings in Mt. Elgon district with a keen interest especially on the role played by the youth in the eruption and consequent involvement in the violence. We have noted that the youth are the main proponents of the violence / misunderstanding as they are the mostly affected age group by the issues of Land ownership and unemployment which are the main catalysts of the Mt. Elgon violence. They bore the brunt of the security forces during the operation okoa maisha that was launched by the government to bring back law and order into the region. As much as the youth were involved in the conflicts, and acts of unlawfulness orchestrated by the militia groups that ran terror in the region, it is also important to integrate the same youth back into the community and help them forge a way forward so that they can change their ways and get involved positively with the community. To pass this message effectively we feel that they would be more accepting and involved should this message be passed to them by fellow youth and by use of forums that identify best with the youth. We wish to do this by incorporating into our team youth from other conflict spots of our Nation who have been beneficiaries of similar initiatives by VYP as a testimony to the Mt. Elgon youth, that there is a future for the youth even from trouble spots but only if they themselves lead and own the process of transforming the region from a trouble spot into an environment fit for living and conducive for economic activities thus the theme Youth Leading Change – Mageuzi kutokana na vijana.

By

Rachel Wambui

Marsabit IDP camp by Rachel

Generation Kenya nomination

It was a happy moment for me when Generation Kenya as a Shujaa http://generationkenya.co.ke/main/nominate/

Peace Caravan Dates – September

peace-caravan-september-2008-timetable1

Peace Club in Schools

It was good watching the creativity of Menengai High School, peace club we formed after the post election violence. lets join hands for a better Kenya

Menengai High School, Nakuru

Hope at the end of the tunnel

Loiyangarani, L.Turkana

Is it a SOLUTION?

I have been thinking of the latest strikes, killing and burning of schools and i am thinking of joint efforts to start PEACE CLUBS AND ART FOR PEACE in schools, for peace education. I see it as a base for dialogue among student and teachers to come up with solutions from the hidden conflict amongst them and also part which may be from parents back home. we have started several peace clubs and arts in schools both Primary and High Schools which are doing very well and can be shared example for best practise, but we do not have financial resources to multiply that to as many schools as possible but it is a solution. this  comes hand in hand with motivational talks and student teachers and parents meeting. I just visited one of the schools today where we have peace clubs and the challenge i have is to carry on the good work but i have the challenge of finances, but the will is there. it is one of the schools which will take part in the Peace Caravan in September, lets walk the talk support the initiative, and make a difference. Rachel

National Youth Congress-Kenya

As we mark the precaravan routes, we are also identifying grassroot youth organisations who can participate in the National Youth Congress next month 14-16 August. I am one of the organisers and if you happen to be in the areas am visiting below kindly get in touch and also if you have a youth group in any part of Kenya. I will also be leading a session on youth and post conflict resolutions. Kindly get involved or be part of the congress.

Dates and route
21 Nariobi – Muranga – Nyeri- Nanyuki Dol dol
22 Isiolo- Archers post –
23 Isiolo – Laisamis
24 Marsabit
25 Turbi
26 Moyale
27 Moyale Marsabit
28 Marsabit – North Horr
29 Loiyangalani
If you have contacts in these areas we appreciate if you can forward them to us.Regards  Rachel

Fact Finding tour-Caravan

I would like to bring to your attention that i will be on a fact finding and route mapping for the Peace Caravan from 21st to 30th July 2008. i hope to give more details after the trip.