Kakuma Refugee Camp hosts diverse communities from multiple countries seeking refuge in Kenya. Within this complex and challenging context, residents often experience trauma, loss, cultural differences, communication barriers, and unmet needs. These conditions can easily lead to conflict and misunderstanding, particularly among youths. This training attracted youths from 9 nationalities who are hosted at the Refugee Camp. Participants in a group photo
2. Training Objectives
The training aimed to:
Encourage personal responsibility and conscious choice-making
Create a safe and trusting learning environment for refugee youths
Introduce the core principles and four steps of Nonviolent Communication
Strengthen participants’ ability to identify, express, and connect feelings and needs
Build empathy skills, including self-empathy and empathy for others
Support peaceful communication and conflict transformation within the community
3. Participants
The training was attended by 30 English-speaking refugee youths from different nationalities residing in Kakuma Refugee Camp.
Gender: 13 Females | 17 Males
Returning Participants: 11 participants were attending for the second or third time, contributing to continuity and peer support within the group.
4. Training Duration and Structure
The training was conducted over four days, with each day focusing on a specific NVC theme. Sessions were highly participatory and adapted to the camp context, incorporating movement, storytelling, pair work, group discussions, role plays, and reflective exercises.
Participants were engaged both intellectually and emotionally, supporting deeper learning, embodiment, and integration of NVC principles. participants in group work
5. Key Outcomes and Observations
- Improved listening and empathy skills were observed during exercises and group interactions.
- Participants demonstrated increased ability to identify and name their feelings and needs.
- Refugee youths expressed deep appreciation for having a safe space to share openly and be heard.
- Many participants reported increased self-awareness and emotional clarity.
- The group showed growing trust, connection, and mutual respect as the training progressed.
6. Participant Feedback
“Since I came to Kakuma six years ago, this is the first time I have been listened to in the way I have always wished.”
“I have realised it is important to focus on needs more than the strategy.”
“I have been using the wrong approach to communicating with others for the longest time. I think it is time to change now. Thank you, NVC.”
“The four steps make sense to me. I think if humans considered these in their normal conversations, there would be no conflicts.” Participants in a group exercise
9. Challenges
- High temperatures affected concentration and energy levels during some sessions.
- Time constraints limited deeper practice for certain topics.
- The last two days, heavy rains made roads impassable, causing late arrivals by participants.
10. Lessons Learned
- Creating safety and connection is essential before introducing NVC concepts.
- Stories and real-life examples are powerful tools for learning and reflection.
- Movement and interactive methods are particularly effective in hot environments.
- Empathy is deeply transformative when practised consistently and collectively.
10. Conclusion
The Kakuma Refugee Camp NVC Training successfully created a space for learning, connection, and transformation. Participants engaged actively with the NVC framework and demonstrated meaningful growth in empathy, self-expression, and understanding of universal human needs.
The training highlighted the strong relevance of Nonviolent Communication in refugee contexts and affirmed the importance of continued support, follow-up sessions, and community-based practice groups to sustain impact.
11. Recommendations
- Conduct follow-up and advanced NVC trainings for refugee youth
- Support and mentor peer facilitators within the youth group
- Integrate NVC into community leadership and youth initiatives
- Provide continued mentorship, resources, and safe practice spaces
