For Peace in Kenya

Posted by Lana Laskovic 
 
An update about Emmanuel Boyz Rescue Center from Julia Smith
Dear Friends of Emmanuel Center
 
No doubt you have heard the news about the post-election violence in Kenya. For me it is unimaginable that these events are taking place in the peaceful, joyful country I lived in for nearly two years. Before I continue, let me assure you that the children and staff at Emmanuel Center are safe. Though I'm grateful for their safety, as I read the news today (somewhat obsessively I'll admit) I still felt depressed, useless and hopeless - then I remembered that that there is always a way to help at least a little. I called up Daniel in Nairobi and we discussed how, with the support of friends, we can build a little peace.

 

Of course we all hope this violence will end soon and the politicians will take their power games off the streets and back to their big fancy houses and courts. But even after our media stops blaring headlines of bloodshed, the poor in Kenya will still be suffering the consequences of violence. Hundreds of thousands of families have lost their homes and all their possesions. For those with very little, losing a market stall to sell vegetables out of means no longer being able to send a child to school. A burnt shack means finding a street corner for your children to beg on, and even minor injuries can mean the loss of a livelihood. No doubt street children have already born much of the brunt of the recent violence.

 

So what can we do? Simple items can make the world of difference - repairs to a market stall will help a mother restart her business, simple furniture can help a family refurbish their home, and replacement school uniforms will ensure children don't loss out on education. Street children can be comforted with medical treatment and meals. These are the simple tools of peace building we can help with.

 

Emmanuel Center is currently collecting donations to help children, and their families, who have been affected by the recent violence. If you are able to support these efforts please donate to Emmanuel Center, specifying that you would like to 'build a little peace.' You can donate online through Canada Helps by clicking the link at www.emmanuelcenter.com ,  or by check made out to Afretech Aid Society and mailed to 7693 Garfield Dr. Delta, B.C. Canada V4C 4E6. We'll let you know in the next Emmanuel newsletter in March how the donations were used to help children, and their families, affected by the recent violence. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at this address.

 

And please send prayers, positive thoughts and good karma to Kenya - that peace and democracy may be reestablished.

 

Peace.

Julia

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