Grant to the Education Centre for Women in Democracy (ECWD) to help prevent the recurrence of ethnic violence and to promote peace and reconciliation in three high-conflict areas (the Nyamira/Bomet axis, the Meteitei/Muhoroni axis, and the Uasin Gishu/Keiyo/Nandi Axis) before the upcoming elections in Kenya. ECWD will work closely with and support grassroots women”s community organizations, church groups, and other organizations involved in promoting peace and reconciliation. Activities to be supported by the grant include: a seminar for members of the Peace Task Force (PTF) and production of a PTF operation manual; workshops for women leaders, clergy, youth, and elders; and church-based school holiday camps and church conferences. In addition, ECWD will identify grassroots peace animators and monitors who will act as peace monitors for a period of 8 months, a Rapid Intervention Group Seminar will be held for 30 participants, and 30 discussion groups will be established in venues where people meet such as Nyama choma places, tea shops, Posho mills, and Merry-go-round groups. A public awareness campaign will be launched featuring calendars, posters, and stickers, stressing nationhood and the interdependent and symbiotic nature of human existence. Finally, in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Violence and Torture, ECWD will facilitate counseling and treatment of persons who have been traumatized by ethnic violence.
