Kenyan kids spreading message of peace through song
Kenyan kids spreading message of peace through song
13 July 2017
Recording Kenya, My Home: Children taking part in peace building activities at Thika Corps.
Ahead of general elections in Kenya next month, The Salvation Army has been putting in place peacemaking plans to help avoid a repeat of the violence and bloodshed that followed the 2007 elections.
One of the main elements in this plan is the release of a specially written song, Kenya, My Home as part of a wide-ranging joint venture organised by The Salvation Army’s two Kenya territories (Kenya East and Kenya West) in partnership with International Development Services and International Emergency Services (both based at International Headquarters in London).
Technical and creative services have been provided by a partner organisation, Community Albums.
The song for peace has been written by children across the country. Set to a Kenyan beat and beginning with rhythmic sounds made by everyday items, Kenya, My Home uses different tribal languages and has contributions from Christians, Muslims, children who are blind, others who live on the streets, some at school and some living without families, to show through words and music that “everyone is somebody” and “Kenya is my home ... I choose peace”.
As part of the show of unity, the chorus was written by pupils from The Salvation Army’s school for the visually impaired in Thika, which is attended by children from all over the country.
People across Kenya and beyond are being encouraged to share the song and its accompanying video, which shows a powerful message of peace and unity, on social media using the hashtag #KenyaMyHome, spreading the message that choosing peace is in everyone's best interest. It is also being provided in broadcast quality to radio and TV stations to ensure as wide an audience as possible.
Lieut-Colonel Morris Vincent, Chief Secretary, Kenya West Territory, says: “Everything is so well done and the children express confidently and with great passion their desire for this time in our history to be peaceful. I express appreciation to all who partnered to make this happen. We value more than words can fully express the ongoing support from the international Salvation Army.”
The video will be shown at various Red Cross coordination meetings across Kenya, where viewers will include representatives from the government and non-governmental organisations.
Other peacemaking activities include school competitions, sports activities, peace messages on car stickers and banners, sermons, Bible studies and marches.
The video for Kenya, My Home and a documentary can be downloaded from sar.my/kenyamyhome.
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