1.0  Introduction 

I started my journey on the 13th August and arrived on the evening of the 14th. The training started on the 15th to the 20th August. I started my journey back on the 21st and arrived home on the 22nd August 2024. 

The NVC training was organized by Tusome Pamoja Initiative (TPI). This is an initiative started in Turkana Region with the main of using NVC skills and training to support children who have been traumatised by banditry, by using child friendly activities aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence. The targeted beneficiaries are from Turkana East sub-county which is along the border of East Pokot, Samburu, and Turkana counties in the Eastern region. 

This was a second training which had targeted the pupils from the 5 schools in Turkana East region who had attended the April training. 

Travelling to Turkana is an experience that is enriching and fun, the scenery, mountains and the meandering of the road meets my need for beauty and fun. 

1.1   Training 

I spent a total of 5 enriching days with the people of Turkana and my host. 

The training happened in 3 phases: - 

1.     Two days for the pupils 

2.     Two days for the teenage youths 

3.     One day for the village elders 

The number of attendees of the training reduced as this was a harvesting season in Turkana and it had been raining. 

Program of the training days 

The program of the four-day training (2 days for the pupils and 2 days for the youths) was as follows: 

Session 1: 9:00AM - 11:00AM 

Break 11:00AM – 11:20AM 

Session 2: 11:20AM – 12;30PM 

Lunch: 12:30 – 3:00PM 

Session 3: 3:00PM – 4:00PM (This is was reserved for interactive exercises and games) 

Topics Handled 

Day 1: For the Pupils 

-        Recap of the four steps – The first session was meant for the recap from the first training we had in April. I was happy to hear the pupils talking of the NVC four steps and giving clarity on their understanding about the four steps. The mid morning and after session were named as “Changing the Narrative” where we came up with jackal sentences and would change them into giraffe statements. This was done in groups of five participants inn each group. 

Day 2: Pupils 

-        The second day we practiced more on the four steps by using the dance floor which was very exciting for the participants. In the afternoon after lunch, we introduced the topic of empathy, we also experienced what is empathy and what is not empathy. 

-        We ended the day later in the evening by playing some soccer games with the pupils. 

Day 3:  - For the youths. 

 -  Introduction of NVC and the four steps of NVC - I used the four corners game when I was introducing the four steps which brings clarity on the NEED step.  The youths were able to share that they understood the four steps when we engaged in activities, group work and games. 

Day 4 youths 

The second day started at 9:00AM, and we focused the first session with the recap of the first day with a reminder of what we had experienced on the first day. The youth came with more clarifying questions about the four steps. 

Day 5 The Elders 

The training started at 11:00AM – 3:00PM and we had only one break at 1;00PM. Our common agreement was to end at 2:00PM. 

We had a brief training with the elders who had come. We had around 8 village elders and they were all men. Kai started by introducing Tusome Pamoja Initiative and how it was working together to ensure that NVC is spread in the region. 

I later introduced the NVC and the four steps of the NVC. The elders were keen on the four steps and especially on the observation and request. 

1.     The adverse weather challenges - the weather is extremely so hot 

2.     The training with the elders was a bit challenging because most of them didn’t understand English and Swahili and we depended with translators 

Recommendation 

1. There is a need to train the teachers of the different schools so that they can be in the loop with the pupils who have been already trained on the NVC basics 

2. Another training with the pupils to be conducted in the month of December so that there will be a continuity of the NVC knowledge and more practice. 

3. Provide writing materials for the participants so that they can be able to capture what it is trained. 

Sample of Feedback from the participants
1.     I have learnt a lot for the last two days and especially on how to communicate with my friend and family.   Ruth Oyok 

2.     This is my second time to attend the NVC training and I have really enjoyed todays to pic on empathy which i have learnt a lot. – Dennis 

3.     We need such peace training in our region so that we can be able to promote peace in our region especially for us in the border between Turkan and west Pokot. I have enjoyed what Steve has taught us on the four steps which I have really understood. – Village elder – James 

4.     The facilitator has been very supportive in making me understand the four steps of NVC and understanding the difference between jackal and giraffe communications. In the university I will try as much as possible to use the giraffe language and hopefully over the holiday I will be able to join another session of the training. – Mary Youth participant. 

5.     The pupils have started integrating the NVC steps in their conversations since they were trained last holiday. I have seen a shift from the way they were having conversations before the training and now after the training. How I wish this training was conducted to all pupils in the school. – Tr. Robinson 

6.     I have been able to teach the NVC skills with my smaller brothers and sisters especially the four steps, I am happy they have been able to learn – Jackson Modi Grade 7 pupil 

7.     I would love next time you come with writing materials so that we can be able to write all what you have been teaching us. – Janet Moson 

8.     I loved the way the training was inclusive of games, group works and role plays, I was not bored as I learnt very important skills. – Dan Youth Participant 

9.     I love the training and I believe it will be helpful to me as I interact with my wives when a conflict arises. I will ensure that I concentrate more on the observation and needs. – Paul – Adult Participant (Translated from Turkana to Swahili) 

10.  I love the games and the activity of changing the Narrative, It made me understand the NVC more and I will be using it more and more in my discussion and at school with my schoolmates. The trainer was audible enough and was moving around to explaining to us what we didn’t understand.  -  Beatrice Ajong’ – Youth Participant. 

 

The Youths taking part in a discussion group

A picture of the pupils after the training.

With the villager elders during the training.

With the youths after the training.

The pupils taking place during the training 

During the training with the youths

Pupils with the manual during the group work looking at the Feelings and the Needs