Peace Schools

Christian Children's Fund
Thursday, 9 August 2001

To bring together the often contentious tribes of the Turkana, Pokot and Samburu, Christian Children's Fund has launched a campaign to build a joint school for the children of these nomadic peoples in the Amaiya area, north of Nairobi. This school, to be called Amani School, which is Kiswahili for Peace, will enable 500 boys and girls to receive a formal education. Because their parents are nomadic and move from pasture to pasture every several months, these children have not had this opportunity in the past.

On July 20, 2001, about 3,000 elders and leaders from the three communities came together in an incredible show of support to launch this peace school initiative. CCF's Youth Ambassador, Greg Smith, who is an internationally recognized youth advocate for peace, was the guest of honor at the event. He launched the CCF campaign to raise $350,000 to build the school and two dormitories.

In addition to providing educational opportunities for these children, the school will also provide a setting for the Pokot, Turkana and Samburu to grow in understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures. The three tribes have a history of cattle rustling, which has grown more violent in recent years because of the availability of sophisticated weapons.

During the July ceremony, the elders of the three communities pledged that they would live in peace and work together for the good of their children. Twelve-year-old Greg was made an honorary chief of the three tribes. The assembly seemed delighted as Greg encouraged them with the words of Kenya's first leader Jomo Kenyatta, "Amani, Upendo, na Umoja Idumu Milele", which translates to Peace, Love and Unity--Forever and Ever.

The Peace school will give children in northern Kenya an opportunity for an education, and will provide them with life choices that have never been available before. Our goal is to raise the money and have the facilities built in time for an opening next July 20.

For more information, or to contact Christian Children's Fund, see their website at: www.christianchildrensfund.org