From August 15 to 22, a regional seminar will be held in Eldoret, Kenya to contribute to the training and strengthening of humanist action in East African communities.
The initiative, launched by humanist activists from Kenya and Iceland, will bring together delegations from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and from various regions of the host country.
This important event takes place within the framework of the World Humanist Forum’s actions, a permanent convergence space for organizations and individuals from different cultures around the planet. Its objective is to study and develop positions on global problems affecting today’s world while promoting collective actions that advance toward the humanization of Earth.
The great diversity and breadth of the humanist vision will be expressed in the planned program for the gathering, which will bring together instructors from different countries to share knowledge, experiences and inspiration.
Scheduled Activities
Among the scheduled activities is an intensive training sequence on the ideas of Universalist Humanism and the doctrinal principles formulated by its founder, Silo. The internal development practices derived from this school of thought and action will be guided by Antonio Carvallo, an experienced Siloist based in London, together with Julius Valdimarsson from Iceland and Michael Cameron from the United States.
During the sessions, there will be debates about the background and history of humanism led by one of the seminar organizers, Tracey Kadada. Javier Tolcachier will conduct two training sessions on the main ideas of New Humanism. Senegalese N’Diaga Diallo will speak about the Parks of Study and Reflection built in more than 50 locations worldwide and about School Works, which systematize the human possibility to understand and move toward profound self-transformation experiences.
Icelander Ragnar Sverrison, together with Tracey, will present the objectives of the World Humanist Forum and provide details about its 16 current thematic working groups. A central part of the seminar will address the social and community issues in which humanists are involved. Among these, significant space will be given to debates and awareness-raising against gender violence led by Alice Saina, Rose Neema and Ragnar.
Women’s empowerment will be addressed by Synthia Gaede and Diana Rose from Iceland and the United States. The important actions of the “Me Too” movement, focused on vulnerable women and survivors of criminal gender violence, will be presented by Tracey and Alice, who along with Edwina Kisero will dialogue with and offer practical advice to young single mothers.
Herbert, president of the Congolese community in Uganda, will lead a session on genocide and refugees, given the dramatic and persistent armed conflict affecting populations in North Kivu region in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Donna Nyaboke from Kenya will present on legal assistance, while Anthony Oballah from Manyatta Youth Resource Center, member of the World Humanist Forum’s Sports and Arts for Peace and Development working group, will lead physical exercise sessions.
Dorothy Adenga and Corazón, both with extensive experience in education, will coordinate sessions on this topic. Another part of the program will feature Dorothy along with Sharon and Jemeli giving a talk on sexual and reproductive health. A panel including Karina Lagdameo Santillán from Philippines, Pía Figueroa from Chile, Javier Tolcachier from Argentina and others will share concepts of Nonviolent Journalism and present the experience of Pressenza international news agency with its peace and nonviolence focus, inviting attendees to join as communicators from different points in East Africa.
Spirituality and popular religiosity will be strongly present throughout the Seminar. There will be sessions on spiritual development led by Bishop Joseph Okiring, accompanied by pastors Silvanus Wafula, Muzungu and Stephen, as well as ceremonies of Silo’s Message and collective moments of prayers, requests and preaching.
Among the multiple artistic activities will be musical performances by John Michael, Stephen Kalenga, the Tanzanian Choir, and various performances featuring Sharon Kipruto from Burundi and students from Moi University, Kenya’s second most important public university. American David Blumenkrantz will contribute with a photography exhibition, while Diego Asensio from Spain, Tracey Kadada and Maribel Núñez from Argentina will share testimonies of their experiences and actions as humanists.
The afternoon sessions – Kenya time – will be streamed online, allowing virtual participation from anywhere in the world. The Seminar will culminate with a Ceremony where representatives from all participating delegations will speak, followed by a closing celebration.
Local organization, coordinated by Alice Saina and Silvanus, will be handled by a team of 50 volunteers who will prepare the spaces, handle food, necessary logistics and assist participants to make the seminar a rewarding experience.
The activists plan to hold similar seminars in different countries and call on those who share a sensibility rejecting all forms of violence and discrimination to join a global movement for a more human and nonviolent world.
