It’s Getting Hot In Here

In December of 2006, hundreds of young people converged in Nairobi, Kenya for the annual climate negotiations, COP12. We came with high hopes, but despite being based in a city adversely impacted by climate change, the plight of the African continent was overlooked, and the diplomats accomplished very little. As everyone packed their bags for trips into Masai Mara, the conference became dubbed by climate justice activists as “the climate safari.”

But many of us youth did not run off immediately, because we had met some incredible youth from the Kibera slums, one of the largest slums in the world, and they had graciously offered to take us on a tour of their community. We were shown around their homes and our eyes were opened to the realities of poverty - a world without running water or consistent electricity, where on average people made less than $1 a day, and that is now home to many Sudanese refugees. But we were also exposed to one of the most incredible organizations I have ever met - the Kibera Community Youth Project (KYCP).

This organization embodies what our movement is about: empowering young people to emerge as agents of change, taking action within their communities for the improvement of all. They train young people to assemble solar panels and distribute them around the community, allowing people to operate appliances even if their electricity is cut-off. And the panels provide a self-sustaining source of income for the organizations’ other programs. They have encouraged young people to express themselves through creative channels, setting up recording studios for young local artists to record songs of social change. And they have used community theatre to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS in Kibera. KYCP is truly making a difference. And right now, as Nairobi is gripped with post-election violence, they need our help. Please read below an email from KCYP’s Director Fredrick Ouko, and help our brother and sisters in Kenya out by making a contribution at KYCP.net

Dear Friends,
You all know that Kenya went to a general election late last year with high hopes of achieving desired political changes after a 5 year rule of the Government elected in the general elections of 2002 that was seen with all as a very democratic and transparent election ever witnessed in an African Country.

Despite the high hopes and political stakes, Kenyans turned in large numbers on 27th December 2007 to cast their vote knowing that this was the only way to choose their leaders and that their decisions will be respected by the aspiring politicians.

I am writing on a January 2008, to inform you that; the electorate was massively let down and not only that, we are now turning against each other fueled by the abnormalities witnessed in the election process last year.

As at the moment, you might have seen the ugly scenes on the international media depicting how the situation is here in the country and more profoundly, where we work in Kibera slums. Innocent lives have been lost, properties destroyed and thousands left homeless as a result of the post-elections violence that has taken different faces.

As an organization, normal functions have been hindered the continued mass actions and the heavy police presence everywhere (one would think that ours is a police state!) and the danger of being found in groups by the same police wielding offensive weapons.

Our concern has been: the innocent children who do not know any tribe, the mothers who have to bear the burden of this violence and keeping their children and the innocent youth being killed for participating in mass actions across the country and even in Kibera slums.

As a community organization, we are definitely challenged to play a role in the justice and reconciliation efforts at a local level and this will be done through our peace project that started last year, we are also challenged to play a part in easing the suffering being faced by mothers and their children as a result of the violence in Kibera.

While there are relief efforts being made by humanitarian organizations, you will remember Kibera has a population of an approximate one million people and its infrastructure doesn’t allow easy access to the area. It is only the the lucky ones and more stronger victims of the post-elections violence who often receive the relief food and assistance from the humanitarian organizations.
We are looking forward to your participation in the efforts of helping vulnerable families and KCYP members in Kibera secure a meal during this hardship time in our country`s history. You will remember that, lots of individual and group livelihoods were destroyed during the skirmishes thus making it very difficult for others to earn a decent income for themselves, they can also rebuild their businesses but help will again be needed once security returns in some of the parts of the slum.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
You can donate money that will be used to help needy families get food supplies thus taking care of their children. Any amount of donation will surely help alleviate the current suffering being experienced in the area.

This you can do through our PayPal facility at: www.kcyp.net

We will be happy to inform you how your assistance is helping alleviate suffering of people in Kibera during this difficult time where prices of essential goods have risen sharply. I want to thank you in advance for making the important decision to support our work in rebuilding Kibera through your support. We also hope that this situation will quickly be resolved to usher in peace and tranquility in the country for development processes to continue.

I will be happy to respond to your inquiries and look forward to hear from you.

With regards,
Fredrick Ouko
Director,
Kibera Community Youth Programme

Please consider contributing to their ongoing efforts for peace and sustainability in Kibera.