Testimonial: Dancing with the Wolves

My name is John Muritu Mbuthia, a community volunteer from Sipili in Laikipia County. I volunteer with Saint Martin Catholic Social Apostolate in the Community Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. Saint Martin Catholic Social Apostolate is a religious grass-roots organization based in Nyahururu that addresses issues facing the society through community volunteers. This is achieved by promoting solidarity in the community and capacity building.

In 2013, I participated in a training on the Sexual Offences Act (2006) facilitated by the Programme. The training has positively influenced my life by imparting me with new knowledge amidst increased cases of defilement, bestiality, rape and sexual harassment. Prior to the training, I used to refer all cases on sexual offences to the area chief due to limited knowledge. I have also created awareness to the community through school and church forums jointly with other volunteers on the Sexual Offences Act (2006).

This training has also influenced behaviour change among the administration police in Sipili. The police have often been branded by the community as the most ruthless and corrupt system of the government. This is based on their tendency to assault, demand for bribes, threaten people with imprisonment or even falsify evidence to impede the dispensing of justice.

Following the training, the situation in Sipili has changed. I have tirelessly worked for the community with confidence and self-dedication. Many people have ceased to report their cases to the police without informing me since they know I will do follow-ups and their cases addressed fairly. The police in our area slowly started inviting me to their camp whenever a case was reported. I could sit with them, listen to the case and at last, they would always be there waiting for my opinion. The fulfilling part is when all the parties go home satisfied and I don’t ask for any pay. This made the police change their attitude towards the community. One of the officers asked me how I survive with my family with this kind of job. I replied giving those experiences of spending hours in voluntary work and how customers flock in my “fundi wa electronics” shop wanting my service now for pay. This is one way of the many blessings I receive.

The Police on realizing their shortcomings changed the way they handle their clients. The most cherishing feeling in my volunteerism is when a client came and reported back after referral to the police that he was given a chance to express himself and offered the necessary support for free. This has kept the fire burning, giving me the heart to continue with the song. I feel supported since the police have joined the dancing stage together with all the stakeholders in Sipili zone. It is difficult to make people join your way of doing things especially if they don’t get a first-hand benefit.

: Created: 09 January 2019

What we do

Promote Child Participation

child participation

The project targets 72 primary schools in Laikipia County. In each school, a platform for children to air their views is created through the Children’s Government where children leaders are empowered to become change agents. Children, members of these governments are trained on child rights and responsibilities, meaningful child participation, role of children as duty bearers, lifeskills, public interaction skills and methods of awareness creation.

Dumisha Amani - Sustain Peace

udimishe amani

Building a Secure Environment for Children to Flourish

The Dumisha Amani project is driven by a crucial objective: to contribute to a secure environment where children can grow and develop. We recognize the profound impact of conflicts on children and young people, both directly and indirectly. In our project area, many children have suffered violations, been forced into perpetuating violence, and experienced the loss of loved ones. They have endured physical harm, displacement, education deprivation, and sexual abuse and exploitation. The consequences of conflict extend beyond the immediate, hindering economic and social development and impeding the holistic growth and development of children. With Dumisha Amani, we strive to create a brighter and safer future for every child.

Awakening Suppressed Voices

awakening

Breaking the chains of silence. By empowering communities to take a stand, we're unleashing the strength of women and empowering them to combat gender-based violence head-on. Together, we'll create a world free from fear and oppression. Read more … Empowering Women and Girls: Unleashing the Voices of Change.

Psychosocial support

psychosocial

People affected by drug abuse and mental illness struggle with various life challenges that puts pressure on the mental wellbeing. This is not limited only to those who are directly affected but also the significant others and other members of the family. The programme therefore adopted a household approach in offering counseling services including family therapy to ensure psychological wellness of the entire family. These services are offered under the auspices of the community counseling centre where the programme mobilizes counselors from the community who in turn offer free services to clients using St. Martin facilities.

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