See also: NafsiAfrikaAcrobats, Acrobats

Going to Denmark to help FrontRunners

Kennedy's Reports

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/holistichelping/message/2425

KenOwino:

Drumming for peace,

It takes sound to call for attention. Sounds echoing from the drum have in the past been known as a way of communication and connecting to others. In Africa drums were used as an outdated ICT tool for peace, entertainment, in worships, and appeasing/revoking or rebuking the gods and/or evil spirits. Some communities used it in mourning events, it also served a purpose in celebrating victories after a battle succesfully fought and won. Today drum continues to play a vital role in many African lives, Whenever it sounds, it's echo radiates into the hearts and draw many towards its sourse, it's sound attracts and distract people. It bestows confidence, happiness, eliminates fear, pain, stress and bitterness.

In 2006 Sarakasi Trust (Kenya) www.sarakasi.org Dancers and Acrobats all collectively set a world record of 100 hours of continuos drumming for peace that confounded many, the memories and moments remains afresh in my mind. I suggested this in a Kenya Artists' meeting sometime last week, and Sarakasi artists in one voice concurred with me. After the Koffi Anan's deliberations, if given permit for Uhuru Park, Kenyan Acrobats and Dancers are planning a Drumming session (Not a Genies world record this round), but to convey echos resonating peace. With a 7 hours non stop Acrobatics performance, it will be not just entertainment but communication that will be pacifying Kenyans towards restraint, healing and reconciliation. This idea has activated all my body pulse tempos, i feel beats of peace drumming within me. My inner peace is growing, i wish to share the light with others. My lifestyle diet is always to seek peace from deep within myself first before preaching it out to others. can others share the taste of my own medicine with me? Thanks Joy Tang for this contribution.

Peace

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/holistichelping/message/2230

It is likely a very rough journey to healing and reconciliation considering the traumas, pain, bitterness and suffering, the losses and debris that we contend with. We have posted stories and received stories on harrowing experiences, grim, horrific and sad happenings, it is a time we should contribute more of positive endeavours and pictures pointing solutions. Am reporting of a meeting we had in yesterday 6th Feb 2008 with david Mutua , Rachael Wangui, and Dan Otedo who stopped by enroute to Baringo. We shared our ideas and decided on the need of consolidating and harmonizing our efforts towards a commonly shared goal. The goal is to realize peace through sustainable development, by initiating and working with grassroot groups in the Violence hotspots/prone areas (Eldoret, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi hills, Kisumu, Kuresoi, Naivasha, Nairob and Kisumu). We suggested the formation of grassroot groups or teams comprising of the marginalized youths and women in respective communities. The working/talking /grassroot groups would be called grassroot ambassadors of peace headed by the champions of peace/PoP leaders. Our goal is to Ø Enhance grassroot support and peace building capacities by equipping them with the vital skills and knowledge (civic education, democracy, I.C.T, peace building and reconciliation courses). Ø Facilitate information flow through networking with other similar working groups in other hotspots. Ø Research and document the emerging paradigms in peace building to inform our work. There have been noted positive responses to the cycle of conflict and violence in various hotspots by grassroots community leaders as; Naivasha and (Rachael Wangui, David Mutua, Kennedy Owino, Perpetual Wangui, and Ronald Odhiambo) Eldoret (Wesley Chirchir, Rono and others) Kericho (Ken Chelimo and others) Nandi hills (Emmanuel Were) Nakuru (Ronald Odhiambo, Da…, Dennis Kimambo) Kisumu (Tom Ochuka, Ronald Omondi) Mbita and it’s Environs (Dan Otedo, Jacktone Arija and Sam Kongere) My idea has always been co-ordinating our autonomous efforts, our identified grassroots initiatives should each have a name, say like “Naivasha peace grassroots initiative” but all would be under the wider umbrella of PoP. I believe these initiatives are coordinated by PoP leaders through their registered self help groups, associations, and organization networks. The networks should strive to harmonize the energies and resources of various groups to achieve a holistic integrated approach to the challenge facing them as inhabitants of the informal settlements. Some of the action plans I suggest that would be well sequenced by a facilitated forum/F2F meeting of all PoP grassroots leaders include; Strengthening our grassroots initiatives by identifying and forming working/talking groups drawn from the youths, women and the fighters. Holding meeting s with respective grassroots initiatives to promote a culture of restraint, tolerance and peaceful co existence in the community. Also gathering information, needs, ideas and finding solutions from the grassroots members. Communicating peace in the simplest form that is appealing and understood by grassroots members. this can be done through simple prepared peace pamphlets with very basic and local content, Printed T-shirts in local languages. Networking and partnering with other grassroots initiatives as a step towards initiating reconciliation. Reconciliation process using ICT/Telecenters.. Radios would be an effective and simple media. Civic education, peace building and Reconciliation courses. Organizing joint Peace , Caravan of Peace where sporting activities, theater , discussion forums and entertainment would feature. As matters of priorities I am proposing the allocation of resources towards; Naivasha 2nd leg Forum This is scheduled for Friday 8th February 2008. The total estimated budget for this is Ksh 85,500 Breakdown; Transport for 15ppl( 6 PoP members and 9 Press people) - Ksh 15,000 Lunch for team Ksh 7,500 Meeting venue cost Ksh 500 Participants airtime (125ppl * Ksh 500) Ksh 62,500 Total Ksh 85,500 I have received $ 200 from Andrius and requesting more to offset the deficit. Eldoret, Nandi hills and Kericho events There will be an event in Eldoret facilitated by Wesley and his Organisation, Wesley had requested $200 for the event and invited some PoP leaders. The event is up on 12th February 2008, I suggest that Wesley works out a comprehensive budget that will also include the transport and accommodation of those he has invited. Wesley should also inform the invited well in advance. There is a Sporting event on 16th February 2008 in Nandi hills facilitated by Emmanuel Were. Emmanuel should work on the same, that is a budget. In Kericho Rono has organized an event on unspecified dates and unspecified budget. All these events are important forums where we would rally for grassroots initiatives’ members. In the same line there was an earlier request made by Dennis Kimambo of Funds for T-shirts, I would like to reinforce this and also suggest the idea of Peace pamphlets with simple local contents (the T-shirts and Pamphlets can be cheaply printed here in ) Kisumu Ronald Omondi has agreed to co-ordinate with Sam Kongere and Tom Ochuka in organizing joint forums and activities geared towards peace. He called me yesterday and informed of a proposed project that he has forwarded to MOYA (Ministry of Youths Affairs) for consideration. The PoP champions meeting I am suggesting a PoP champions meeting , the dates and venue would be agreed on. My suggestion is converging in either , Kisumu or Nakuru. The budget of this will be provided later. In the meeting matters and strategies would be addressed. We as creative individual thinkers shall come up with a concrete programme of action. We need a Telecenter/ICT network of people who are well versed in ICT and the use for ICT in providing a solution (ICT 4P). The network would play a major role in developing and sharing methodologies, it will be dedicated in exchanging information, developing and designing a manual and building capacities that would enhance the effective use of ICT for peace, Development and Empowerment. Develop a Distance Reconciliation Forum/System for the grassroots initiatives. This system/Project would link grassroots groups using multipurpose Telecenters, Radios Teleconferencing e.t.c A task force to see the implementation of this Distance Reconciliation Programme (David mutua, Kenneth Chelimo, Dan Otedo, Sam Kongere, others interested) will convene meetings to draft a conceptual framework for DRP for completion by a set date. The draft can include ideas of including digital system, content design, communication and networking, local training and support facilities. These are just my limited, raw and rough ideas. I don’t know what others may think. It is a time we should help and also allow others to help us, understand our problems, avoid generalization of issues, find and learn the lessons, avoid bitterness, unify and above all pray. The current furious moments in hints at a possibility that we will gain more time in working together, and add greater workload to our lives. The bottom line here is restoring peace and there can’t be development without peace and likewise, Information and Communication are vital tools to peace. Technology is essential to development, should we let technology drive us towards our goal or we drive it as a run away vehicle from conflicts? Let’s embrace technology to help us Embrace the Enemy, Ken Owino

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/mendenyo/message/1293

Peace Remains a Mirage if the threats are not addressed.

As much as we put efforts into finding lasting solutions, peace still remains elusive if we don't come to terms and address the real underlying causes of civil unrest. What are the underlying factors to social decay, hatred and violence and how can we address them?

From my own perspective(not the leaders), as a youth who is vulnerable, and in reality with his own peer as front liners in unleashing terror. As a youth who knows the real meaning of poverty, i believe politics is just a cap, but the underneath fires are; corruption, unemployment, youths marginalisation, tribalism, inequality and land issue. This issues are thorns that have for so long been persevered by the citizens, what is happening now is a revolt against all the past injustices surrounding the above. There are threats that we common Kenyans can help in finding solutions, and there are some that only calls for the intervention of the government. Some of the solutions anticipated from the Government that have so far been suggested but very little done about them include; land laws reforms, constitutional review and youth empowerment. We can't side step elections as the major factor that gave way to explosion of civil unrest, and a solution needs to be forthcoming regarding the same. I can't comment about this, because commenting would amount to jeorpadising the efforts and gains made by the Koffi Annan mediation team so far.

So the question is, what can we do as PoP? we have capacities to play a role in finding solutions, we can and have been able to unblock the roads towards peace. We have initially concentrated our efforts in reaching out to the fighters and addressing the immidiate urgent needs of the IDPs. Our priorities have been visiting the hot spots, carrying out surveys, and fact finding. Concentrating our efforts in Rift Valley because it is the epicenter and most volatile point of the turmoil. From Rift valley violence menacingly approach neighbouring areas as Nyanza and Nairobi which is very critical and have to be protected at all cost. There are minor cases of mayhem in various Nairobi estates though, and they are equally important to be looked into. Below is my opinion on simple steps towards our overal goal which is tranquility;

1. Carrying out needs assesments and addressing emergencies and urgent needs of the affected as evacuation, food, clothings, airtime e.t.c, because a state of discomfort would not allow active participation (this is an ongoing process) 2. Caryying out fact finding and surveys on situations at the ground in the hotspots, and coming up with an approach. 3. Reaching out to the fighters and urging them for a ceasefire that would pave way towards peace and justice. We have been doing this in Eldoret, Nandi hills, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Nairobi through organised meetings or openly reaching out to the fighters. 4. Organising forums where the battling communities can meet to resolve their differences. This is a way forward towards healing and reconciliation.

And my idea here is if we could invoke the use of ICT because ICT may serve to address many problems, part of them being the threats to peace above. The youths are agitated by being a marginalised clout, lack of information, unemployment, not being heard, and their voices bottled up, not being able to stand up and speak. This is supported by the scenario where youths in marauding gangs have turned their anger against their own communities, extorting money from motorists even from their own tribes, forcefully evicting non residence and taking their places and properties, looting and all those sort of evils.Conclusively to say that Kenyans youth are facing a crunch in their livelihoods.

Certainly ICT represents a great hope for Kenya by any ones estimation if only those with power and clout can grasp the nettle quickly and firmly enough. We in PoP have had experience of this working effectively with phone calls, sms, and airtime transfer strategy. We should experiment it further by also using Telecenters as negotiation forums (teleconfrencing), and also using the radio, video projectors, printed banners, posters and T-shirts as ways of passing civic education. Honestly speaking, Kenya has had a society that restricts access to information making Kenya a ghetto in the global world. ICT would go along way empowering the youths and encorage them towards online learning, creation of employment and closing the gap between the information "havenots" and "haves". It will be like killing many birds with a single stone throw. I am suggesting the involvements of Samuel Kongere +254725600439 , Kenneth Chelimo of Kericho (+254722809690) , Dan Otedo of Mbita +254720366094 , and David Mutua of Nairobi (+254720462559) plus others who are all well versed in ICT. Dan Otedo (Tom Mboya Community Technology learning Center) has a profound concept on ICT 4 peace, he has been a teacher for over twenty years, a teacher of history and governance. He would be the best person to count on in the areas of offering civic education. Our patriotism is gone, we Kenyans have one of the best National anthem in the world, but the sad rider to all this is that, most Kenyans cant even sing or understand it. It starts and goes like;

Oh God of all creations Bless this our land and Nation Justice be our shield and defender May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty Plenty be found within our borders.

A solution lies in the above, if this first stanza only is taken to the people and educated /enlightened about it. Solving Kenyan civil unrest may be different from how it has been done in other failed African states. But we can copy how it has been done elsewhere, develop local contents organised in powerpoint templates and passed to the people, these can also be kept where youths can have future access to it for refrence. Kenyans need to be taught on democracy and this need to be done by well vibrant civil societies. Dan, can you kindly share your concept with us and how much resources may be needed for this within a time frame of a month.

Last but not the end, we need to engage both the current legislators and those who failed to make it back to parliament. Kenyan politicians are big influencors of their followers, they command masses and can easily exploit or insight the masses into anarchy as has been the case. There is some little truth that most part of the violence was politically instigated. We are descending rapidly from one of the most stable and peaceful democracy because of some few egoistic leaders. The question is how can they be engaged? Press releases, press articles and media interviews imploring on them to go back to their constituents to preach peace and get engaged in peace endeavours. Organise forums where past and current lawmakers are interviewed, via radio or whatever means. Prepare a paper petitioning all political leaders to sign, oathing that they will refrain from insightments, work together despite their political affiliations towards healing, peace, reconciliation and justice. This can be made available to the public to see all those who endorse their signatures and ascertain wether they are honest in their oaths. Implore on the U.N to make public the names of the instigators of violence and action be taken against them. Educate the community that it's not just dancing to the tunes of the song "Follow the leader" but sometimes standing up and proving "Simon" Wrong (Simon always says but one doesn't always have to do what Simon says but he himself doesnt do to set an example).

Arising Financial and material Needs;

1. Tommorow Rachael (+254721626389) and team are travelling to Naivasha to meet up in a wider forum with the Kikuyu fighters, local adminstration, media, and church elders. This is part of a follow up on the first meeting, the Press statement release, and opening way further towards negotiation and healing. The PoP Press Release carrying statement from the Naivasha meeting was published today on the Nation daily newspapers page 33 article no.3 (www.nationmedia.com) We have received a number of responses from people who want to join us in our efforts, and also a number of commendations. I have received Ksh 14,000 which will partly be allocated for the Naivasha travel, please Rachael check what will be enough for you. 2.On tuesday 22th February 2008 Wesley and team has organised an event to commemorate the dead by laying wreaths. He has invited the Naivasha peace initiative lead team(Rachael and her team). This will be a breaking ice or entry point towards reaching out to the Kalenjin fighters who have layed down their arms to negotiate with the Kikuyus. Can we involve Kenneth Chelimo of Eldoret (+254722809690) and Emmanuel Were of Nandi hills (+254721938340) both from Rift valley in this arrangement? 3.Dan Otedo (+254720366094) is travelling to Baringo on an Women ICT empowerment mission, ground survey, and to explore on how the Telecenters in Baringo may be employed in peace initiatives. 4.Collins Odour +254 721 637 457 Of Nakuru and Tom Ochuka +254725678641 Kisumu are requesting for funds to enable the IDPs reach their ancestral homes. The IDPs in Nakuru have raised Ksh 400 each and need to some supplemente amount. Perhaps Tom can also encourage the same (a fair contribution from the IDPs) Please research on wether the local Goverment can provide a truck and we provide fuel. 5.Rono of Eldoret has requested tents and blankets for the IDPs Dan can also check out with Ronald Odhiambo (+254722240088) currently in Naivasha who has helped before in such evacuation missions. With the absemce of Dennis Kimambo Ronald remains the only close contact in Nakuru. 5.Emmanuel of Nandi hills (+254721938340) requests printed T-shirts to be used in the peace sporting tournament put up for 16th February. this was already requested by Dennis Kimambo and we can avail funds for it. We also need PoP printed T-shirts that can help us easily identify ourselves to the locals and not suspected as masqueradors. 6.There is urgent need of airtime for PoP leaders that they can disburse further. Please give in reports and telephone numbers and if possible email address of those who have received airtime from you.

My last question to you Andrius is; From the last amount you sent to me Ksh 25,000 (received from Rachael) you instructed me to give Ksh 14,000 to Rono. I was left with Ksh 11,000 am still waiting for your further instructions. Charles Aboge Of Kisumu children school+254735195156 has called me asking wether i had received any unspecified money from Janet to be given to him through me. I have tried tracing the mail he says carried Janet"s instructions to no avail. Could the Ksh 11,000 be the amount? Janet can you please clarify, am not aware of any amount you sent to me to avail to Charles Aboge.

In conclusion i accept to take up the role of co-ordinating the ongoings and encourage the spirit of consolidating our efforts as much as we work autonomously as individuals. What have happened has happened darn fast, and we need to sprint to catch up with the pace towards peace, let's talk while running, i have to dash.

Peace and affection,

Kennedy Owino

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/mendenyo/message/1105

Mon Jan 14, 2008 2:25 pm

Ken Owino:

I have this week shared Ksh 1000 (500 each) with;

• Jacktone Ariga +254724167280 Ksh 500
• Joyce Gathoni (+254720415371) soniegal87@yahoo.com Ksh 500
• Edwin Tuigong Kiprop of Eldoret (tuikiped@yahoo.com) (+254726339814)

• Tom Ochuka (+254725678641) Ksh 1,000
• Emmanuel Were Of Nandi hills (elserengetifoundation@gmail.com)

• James Njunge(+254721415544) njunge05@yahoo.com ksh 1,000
• Angeline Wanja(+254721386889)angelinewanja1@yahoo.com Ksh 500
• Steve Otieno (+254721428274)westeve20@yahoo.com ksh 500

• Joyce Waithera (+254723520532)
• Simon Maina (+254721672664)ngoafrika@yahoo.com
• Victor Omondi(+254723385380)victordemosh@yahoo.com
• Esther Munjiru(+254726852245)esthernji1@yahoo.com
• Jennifer lumonya(+254723817340)jenifferlumo@yahoo.com

• Mama Konya
• Prisca (+254725063791)
• wycliff (+254720746498)
• Edwin Ochieng (+254725589643)
• Grace (+254710424741)

I used Ksh 600 for communication (calling and s.m.s) I retained Ksh 3,000 for my own personal use. I reccomend if some Air time would be directly channeled to,

• Edwin Tuigong Kiprop of Eldoret (tuikiped@yahoo.com) (+254726339814)

• Emmanuel Were Of Nandi hills (elserengetifoundation@gmail.com)

I finish by reciting saint Francis of Assis famous prayer, Lord make me an instrument of thy peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love Where there is injury, let me sow pardon Where there is doubt, let me sow faith Where there is despair, let me sow hope Where there is darkness, let me sow light Where there is sadness, let me sow joy.

Peace,

Ken Owino +254723568251

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nafsiafrikasaana/message/102 Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:27 pm

Ken Owino:

Tommorow many Kenyans will join other Kenyans in non violent protest/ communication by putting on white or hanging a white peace of clothes anywhere, on our windows, bicycles, cars , e.t.c An initiative by Peacenet Kenya and concerned citizens for peace (www.peacenet .org) dubbed "Kenya Nyeupe week" is meant to bring sense back to our minds on the symbol of the white colour on our National flag.

Similarly our Forum members are acting much to Kenyans concern, letting our lights shine, and unconsciously giving people permission to do the same. Suppose our lives were a book what would this chapter be called? (borrowing from the immortalized phrases by Nelson Mandela) The chapter of providence it would be. We are blessed to have talents, and hearts to share our gifts; The gifts of giving, our healing touches, pure voices, intuition and right judgments, creative thinking, leadership, ability to do the impossible, calling on each other, integrity and above all a yearning to positively transform the world. And we have a responsibility to share these gifts. I dearly appreciate all efforts and ideas, I have been overly inspired by Meadolewa prayers and the thoughts to inspire lyrics of a theme song by Benoit, can you allow me to share these with my friends? And Andrius to your idea of a Pyramid of Nominations, it is an informed and urgent opinion. It is upon us Kenyans, to rise above violence, and fear to raise our voices, we should not leave it to leaders to lead us into peace, we should also set our demands. We can't put a price tag on the lives we have lost, there are demonized acts of rape, torture, acrimony, wanton destruction, road blocks on intellectual and economical productions and horrendous acts rising to levels of genocide. The death toll now standing at over 600, yet our leaders still take their firm stands; one preaching peace the other justice, one calling for mediation the other dialogue. I support an independent commission, and also suggest to others in the pyramid of peace to help us reach a wider group of people for nominations. We can work on a mail that can be sent to our friends through our mailing lists then they can add their phone numbers and names. To those who can't access the internet we can reach out to them through our phones by calling or sending them text messages seeking their permission for nominations. The s.m.s would read, " would you nominate/support an independent commission to review the election results to determine the winner? Yes or No?" then ask permission to use names and phone numbers. We can later seek the permission of the local media, buy a page/advert space to publish the flow of responses together with the gathered names and phone numbers. I already have a list of nominations and the flow continuing.

I still maintain that as we find alternative ways of expressing anger, emphasizing and advocating for peace, the preaching of justice and transparency is also necessary. The cause of holocausts and many Africas political tragedies has been because of the rape on our democracies. Kenya entering as a new victim, our esteem and great stature within failed states eroded, our banner of peace, love and unity torn. We are now a bad example, and I believe the only way for Kenya to regain it's lost glory, takes another election to restore faith in Kenya as a stable democracy. Acres and acres of truth are unfolding of a rigged election, and the prescription we hope from the independent commission is a transitional Government pending a re-run or electoral transparency and justice. I believe in this because, a society that sees no evil is in itself evil.

Anyway , the universal sentiments at the moment is peace, am happy to be part of the process that brings peace, healing and reconciliation. And nurturing these through our artistic skills. Am suggesting gathering and archiving all support materials we have in forms of videos, film, pictures, music, and text which can be utilized in future. I tried attaching the videos that I have as files but the process backfired, is it possible to post them to anyone, say Shasha who can work on the extracts and put them in upload able format? What is Shasha's postal address? Shasha, am also willing to volunteer in translating the the non violence book (www/worknets.org/upload/shashamrkailo/nonviolence.pdf.) and needs to know how many pages are remaining with no volunteers.

I remain soothing myself with my mantra in these terrible days, as our country burns and disintegrates around us. Am gathering more courage, and learning that courage is not absence of fear but triumph over it, the brave man is not who does not feel afraid but he who conquers the fear.

Peace, Kennedy Owino

NAFSI AFRIKA'S STREET CHILDREN REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

Nafsi Afrika acrobats is a name coined from a swahili word meaning the soul of Afrika. It was started in 2002 but dully registered in 2005 with the Ministry of culture and social services. The group is based in Dagoretti constituency of Nairobi and run their activities from their offices in kabiria-satellitte(Nairobi). Most of them having limited educational background and from poor backgrounds(up-brought in the slum's setting), experienced the harsh life in the ghetto and occasionally got trapped in drugs and crime influences. After bumping into each other and realising that they were blessed with smilar artistic skills that they would exploit for a livelihood, Nafsi Afrika acrobats was born. After six years of succesfull existence as a family of seven, they saw the need of projecting and leaving a mark in the community. Setting an example to be emulated by fellow youths in Kenya. Street families being a big problem in Kenya, and witnessing street kids graduating into hard-core criminals and ending up being gunned down they felt concerned and initiated a programme to address street childrens' plight. There exist a strong attachment between us and the kids as most of them are from families we know and we can relate with them easily in their language, having been from similar backgrounds. Currently the programme is run from three training centers in the Ghettos;Kawangware Lutheran church,Waithaka social hall and Daggoretti market training grounds. The problem the groups faces currenly is intergrating, sustaining and keeping the kids together always as it forces us to respond to some of their daily needs as in feeding them, and providing them with clothings. Due to the above problem most of them are on and off, forcing as to reach out to them and search them always for training. In the near future the group plans to set up a day care center from where all activities shall be run and some of the children's basic needs responded to.

Nafsi Afrika street children outreach programme is designed to capacity build street children and empower them on gainful livelihood in the field of arts and arts – related activities in the city and it’s environ. Emphasis is put on developing the capacity of the street children and other unfortunate youths to participate, as appropriate, in urban poverty reduction responsibilities, and also elimination of such vices like crime and drug abuse. Its rationale lies in the provision of a friendly approach to training opportunities in acrobatics, dance, music, drama, and fine arts and crafts.

PROJECT MISSION AND OBJECTIVES The overall aim of this project is to provide artistic empowerment services to street children, especially those most vulnerable, residing in Nairobi, aged 3 to 26 years.

VISION In response to the alarming situation of street children in Nairobi , Nafsi Afrika acrobats empowers the street wise generation to have ownership of the reformation and development process and be agents of transformation in the city of Nairobi.

MISSION To facilitate the empowerment of the street children in the city to have greater ownership of the development and reformation process through disseminating relevant information, imparting appropriate skills and formation of performing teams, so that the competence and professional qualification achieved, may be placed at the service of these children and street youths, thus contributing to the development of the city of Nairobi and assist in prevention or alleviation of the street children and steet youths or rather street families problem. The street children and street youthful generation need to acquire or exploit their relevant artistic skills to help them take decisions and actions that give them more control of their own lives and thus enable them participate actively in the boarder development process instead of graduating into car jackers, bank robbers, muggers, conmen, or criminals.

Area of focus for the project includes: a) Participates in the outreaches, identification, consolidation, convincing, training and evaluation of training progress and the training programmes. providing in particular, assistance in training and facilitation of traininig equipments and props. b) Assist in providing, or help in negotiating for show employment-counseling services to competent groups and in particular, in job search and marketing of their artistic careers. c) Assist in coordination of contract opportunities and in the formulation of job opportunities matrix, which links employers or agents with artists job seekers. d) Assist in identifying /soliciting for existing donors and coordinating referrals of the formed acrobatics and dance groups with willing donors and employers.

In specific the project has been designed to address the following basic components: To provide Contracts ,a plat-form for artistic improvement and marketing, employment opportunities so as to have more access to job markets to these artistically endowed street children and street youths.

To promote and empower the street children and youths with relevant information and artistic skills on employment creation.

To undertake activities geared toward preventing criminality among the street children and youths.

To assess street children and youths needs.

To reduce street children and youths vulnerability especially those residing in the urban areas and ghetto settings by initiating programmes that address their plight.

To develop a network of street kids and youth, youth organizations, government (through the local administration), N.G.O's,Arts agents and employers.

To provide up-to date information and involve the street children and youths in the following areas -: Employment Culture and sports Health Education and training Environment IT training INTERVENTIONS: Interventions can be through three key-ways: Through supporting the economic and social development efforts in different sectors, in particular those, which stimulate a demand for self-reliance, such as basic education besides arts training for the Street children to improve financially,

Through productive dialogue between all the children involved and not involved in the project with the aim of forging effective understanding of the causes, reasons and consequences of any activity undertaken.

Through assisting in the rehabilitation process, improving of poverty alleviation activities for all and capacity build the disadvantaged, as in using the same rehabilitated street children in outreaching for, and recruiting more street children.

Currently besides the actual acrobatics and dance training that Nafsi Acrobats extend to these children volutarilly, The group also negotiate and invite experts and stake holders in other artistic fields and also organisations involved with youth development, to extend workshop programmes to these children and youths.

Contact: KEN OWINO nafsiafricaacro@yahoo.com

Kens letter to Sasha on DVDs

2.The Pyramid of Peace In View of the post election violence in our country Nafsi Africa Acrobats joined other artists in making a passionate plea for peace to prevail within our borders. The venue was Shalom Hova Dagoretti on Sat 15th January 2008 to voice Common Concern towards the situation Most artists reside in the skirmished hit slums of Nairobi as Kibera, Kawangware? ,Kasiobangi, Mathare, Korogocho etc. Being multi ethnic most of the groups experienced great division as some of their members had to flee from hostilities and affected neighborhoods. Artistes had to offer reffuge to the vulnerable, hunger , gangs reigned as the neighborhoods remained inaccessible. To get the message of peace across , nafsi teamed up with Sarakosi Trust and Africa Peace Point. The groups included : Baya, Tarida, Zion, Nafsi, Ghetto Girls, Rolling Spears, Pakaranga, and other acrobatics groups. Also Anita percussion, Kivuli Acrobats, Nafsi percussion etc. Accompanied by drums ,flutes,sounds, singing and dancing acrobats built various human pyramids of peace, representing various ethnicities, depicting diverse cultures working together in flawless harmony as others flew Kenya and peace flags. Paige Elenson of Africa Yoga project also conducted yoga and sun salutation. At the end various artistes across he ethnic divide gave their views on the importance of upholding peace and the major role art has played and will continue to play in contribution to peace.

Please watch the documentary, peace.

Kennedy Owino

NAFSI Africa Acrobats

AboutThisPage

• KenyaBuddy=MariaAgneseGiraudo
• KenyaBuddyUpdate=January 29: Kennedy has left to stay with a friend in a safer place in Nairobi. MariaAgneseGiraudo is concerned for the other acrobats.
• LatestNewsFromKenya=Older news: KenOwino received Ksh 12,460 phone credit from Andrius today through mama Mikes. Dennis Kimambo sent him Ksh 3,000 this money will be redistributed,
• KenyansToCall=Jacktone Ariga +254724167280, Joyce Gathoni (+254720415371), Edwin Tuigong Kiprop +254726339814, James Njunge(+254721415544), Angeline Wanja(+254721386889), Steve Otieno (+254721428274), Joyce Waithera (+254723520532), Simon Maina (+254721672664), Victor Omondi(+254723385380), Esther Munjiru(+254726852245), Jennifer lumonya(+254723817340, Emily(+254720754076), Prisca (+254725063791), wycliff (+254720746498), Edwin Ochieng (+254725589643), Grace (+254710424741),
• ImageUrl=AndriusKulikauskas/kenowino.jpg
• DeepestValue=Cherished Sustainable Livelihoods
• InvestigatoryQuestion=How can the Urban youth's here in Kenya also play a role in Agriculture which is one of the backbones of Kenyan economy?
• InvestigatoryQuestion2 = How can the unemployed urban youths bridge the gap between them and the village youths towards sustainable livelihoods?
• Dream=To have a sustainable livelihood and to help others also. i am committed to enhancing, promoting, and improving the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.My wish is to be So committed to social justice, consumer empowerment, and cultural awareness and work with diverse people and groups. Help in broad range of settings, including physical and mental health, child welfare, corrections, alcohol and drug abuse, and social welfare services and programs. My Goal this Year is to take an education here in Denmark on Social Work. Education is free in Denmark and i think it is an opportunity.
• PageType = Person
• ThisPageRecommendedBy = AndriusKulikauskas
• FeaturedIn = MyFoodStory

Sun, 25 May 2008 14:13:21 UTC nicholas mocho: i would supply you with printed tshirts

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