Planting Peace Through Dialogue 

Report by Stephen Maina | 21st–25th May 2025 

Supported by NVC & Sociocracy for Social Change 

Introduction 

It began with curiosity, young faces gathered in a schoolroom in Kakuma, drawn together by the promise of learning a new way to speak, listen, and connect. From May 21 to 25, 2025, we held our first-ever Nonviolent Communication (NVC) training in Kakuma Refugee Camp, a five-day immersion for 26 youth participants from four countries. For me, this was not just a training. It was an invitation into shared humanity. 

Participants 

The group consisted of 10 girls and 16 boys, most recent high school graduates, with four already in college. Their diversity of language, country, and life experience served as both a challenge and a gift. It allowed for deep learning about differences and a more profound discovery of what we share. 

Training Flow 

- Day 1: Connection activities, NVC introduction 

- Day 2: Needs and feelings + experiential exercises 

- Day 3: Observations and feelings; dance floor practices 

- Day 4–5: Empathy, self-empathy, celebration, and certificate ceremony 

Highlights 

- Youth eagerly engaged, asked questions, and participated in every exercise. 

- The host, Ezekiel Khamis, organised meals, water, and materials, ensuring basic needs were met and learning flourished. 

- The final day’s certificate ceremony became a space of shared pride and vision for peacebuilding. 

Participant Reflections 

"Now I know how to talk without causing a fight." – Yunain 

"Learning NVC helps us not just speak, but understand." – Salim 

"This training should be in every school, for every student." – Halima 

Challenges 

- Rainy weather delayed sessions and impacted attendance on some mornings. 

- Two participants dropped out, while one joined midweek, affecting session flow. 

Recommendations 

1. Offer multiple water bottles per session to support hydration in hot weather. At least two bottles of water a day. 

2. Schedule training during school holidays to reduce venue noise interruptions. 

3. Communicate expectations clearly in advance to align with local training norms. 

4. Provide printed NVC materials to support learning beyond the sessions. 

Looking Ahead 

There is strong interest in follow-up sessions, especially during school holidays. A future phase could involve secondary school teachers, enabling ripple effects into classrooms and communities.