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BUILDING A ROAD TO BETTER RELATIONSHIPS MAP & PE GRADUATION Saturday 17 September 2005 |
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There may not have been any caps and gowns at this particular graduation, but the occasion of the graduation of MAP moderators trained by HOPE worldwide Kenya (HWWK) from 5 community-based and faith-based organizations had something deeper and more meaningful than traditional academic regalia. It was full of fun, excitement, skits and personal sharing that communicated the message, “MAP: The Road To Building Better Relationships.”
MAP is an acronym for Men As Partners, a programme that addresses issues such as gender stereotypes and perceptions of gender roles that typically lead to domestic violence and risky sexual behaviour.
Staged on and next to the HWWK site in Nairobi’s Mukuru slum area, the event served also served as a capacity-building occasion of sorts by providing local rap groups an opportunity and platform to showcase their ability.
Five medical professionals – doctors, nurses and clinical officers – volunteered their time for the day and were able to give free treatment to 172 children and 148 adults. Medicines were provided free by the German Development Agency, GTZ, and the Family Planning Association of Kenya. The VCT center saw 15 clients.
Partner organizations were present and either put up stands, contributed equipment, or activated personnel for the occasion. These included those mentioned above as well as SOS Children’s Village, Nairobi City Council, Nairobi Christian Church, GOAL-Kenya, DSW, and the funder of HWWK’s youth programme, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One of the highlights was the performances of two local hip hop stars, Usman and Mr. Lenny, who not only sang some of their hit songs but also mingled with the children and gave then a very warm and personal touch.
Crazy games and men’s and women’s soccer completed the day’s programme.
MAP stands for Men As Partners. It is a programme borrowed from the organization Engenderhealth, and continues to have a great impact in the lives of men and women in confronting stereotypes and gender norms that lead to risky behaviour and domestic violence.
Sharing with the crowd of about 1,000, Hellen Onyango said, “MAP has helped me develop greater intimacy with my husband.” Peter Kimita, shared that he learnt to get into the kitchen and become not just a domestic consumer but a domestic partner to his wife.
In and out of the slums, among men and women, marrieds and singles, the Men As Partners programme continues to pave the way to better and healthier relationships in families and communities.