Case Study & Testimonials: Transforming Youth into Peace Shuttle Diplomats in Kenya

Background

In Naivasha, Kenya, widespread youth unemployment and underemployment fuel political manipulation, ethnic tensions, and violent conflict. These pressures drive young adults toward high-risk behaviors such as substance abuse and other practices that increase the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Sr. Florence Muia launched an initiative to transform vulnerable youth into active community peacemakers, linking conflict resolution directly to healthier choices and stronger communities.

Challenge

The June 2024 Gen Z protests exposed both the destructive potential of youth frustration through violence and looting, and the potential for young people to unite across political and ethnic lines. Sr. Florence was determined to channel this energy away from violence and toward constructive leadership, while overcoming both deep-seated divisions across local communities and a lack of practical conflict resolution and emotional regulation skills among youth.

Solution

Sr. Florence secured an SRW grant to execute a six-month youth empowerment program for 300 young adults. With the funds, she and her team recruited youth across different church denominations and delivered interactive workshops on conflict dynamics, negotiation, emotional intelligence, and formal mediation. Additionally, they hosted team-building exercises and a large-scale Community Sports for Peace Festival to unite diverse groups in a neutral setting.

Results

The initiative created immediate local impact and long-term systemic change:

• 265 of the 300 participants graduated as commissioned Peace Shuttle diplomats, actively mediating disputes in their families, peer groups, and churches.
• Across 11 church denominations, gaps were bridged through the establishment of local peace clubs and ongoing dialogue forums.
• The enhanced self-awareness among youth reduced engagement in risky behaviors, increasing youth resilience.

Testimonials

A year after her project, Sr. Florence has shared with SRW some of the many remarkable success stories from the Peace Shuttle diplomats. The training they received continues to help youth mediate conflicts in their community, and has had a profound impact on their own lives as well. Check out their video testimonials below:

James
James shares that, thanks to the training, he was able to separate himself from friends that were leading him towards harm. He then formed a youth group at his church. Today, the group sells food and donates the profits to the needy and elderly in their community.

Yvette
Yvette describes how the training taught her to connect with own feelings and increased her self awareness. In addition, she mediated a conflict between a couple that threatened to turn violent.

Tabitha
Tabitha reports that the training significantly improved her anger management and equipped her to address community issues. She successfully resolved a conflict in a women’s savings group over money.

‍

‍