Youth Peace Camel Caravan Seeks Participants/Publicity: Join the Trail of Volunteers in Kenya!!

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

Please read below about the exciting youth "Peace Camel Caravan", organized by the Voluntary Youth Philanthropists group, which will make its way (itinerary below) throughout Kenya, starting August 3rd in Nairobi and ending in Mombasa on August 31st.

Posters, t-shirts, and banners are still needed, and youth participants especially on the leg from Machakos to Mombasa. Hope you'll join up, and please contact Wambui at wcykenya@... and jeunessephi@... for more information. Also, you can call 254-20-630257. International participants are also welcome!

Many thanks and peace to all, Janet (kaippg@... )

Dear Janet,

I have managed to get some vehicles, first aid kits from the Ministry of Health, a pledge from Governance and Ethics, and UFADHILI TRUST--a centre for Philanthropy-- is providing food, tents, transport, renting of camels. They are our major sponsor. However, we are still working on Posters, T-shirts and Banners. With UNHCR we have discussed all this, and they are willing to give us a truck cum stage.

The publicity is good because we are inviting key people in the government and thus publicity is guaranteed. We are discussing with the Personal Assistant of the Vice President to have The V.P flag off the event. The coordination of the groups on the ground is still going on and especially for the areas we shall be starting. However, from Machakos to Mombasa we have not been able to go for ground work and we have only a few youths we are in contact with, so anyone from those areas is greatly appreciated. Other areas have been taken care of and we are covered adequately.There are a few people who have contacted me from GYAN and I believe you did the posting. I am attaching the current application for those who are willing to participate whether as an individual or group (see below). Only a few international participants will be absorbed and they will be just observers. That is how it is as per now.I am meeting with the the Kenya Anti-Corruption Council Chairman tomorrow and I hope he will be able to give me support.APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION: Are you convinced that peace is more than the absence of war? Can you convince and educate other youths and the public on peaceful co-existence? Are you able to fight corruption within yourself and the surroundings? Then, join other dynamic youths who will be embarking on a Peace Caravan Trail for a whole month (5-31 August) through some major towns in Kenya. If you meet the following requirements, then you are the person we are looking for: a) Aged between 18-30 years old. Able to communicate in either English or Kiswahili, any vernacular is an added advantage.c) Able to commit himself or herself for the month of August 2005.d) Love camping as a hobby.e) A visionary person ready to work with the community in alleviating poverty and other social evils.f) Be ready to follow the rules and regulations as laid down during the caravan.

Apply with a write-up of not more than 2000 words citing why you want to participate in the Caravan Trail and how you and your community will benefit through your participation. Attach a recommendation letter from your youth group of which you are a member or any organization or institution which knows about you and your work. Your application should reach VYP secretariat not later than 15th July. Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted. Apply to: The Organising Secretary Voluntary Youth Philanthropists P.O. Box 19705-0202 Nairobi Or E-mail: wcykenya@... NB/ For Local participants, there will not be any allowance for participation and you will be expected to carry your own sleeping bag/camping material for personal use. Tent and food shall be provided. International participants you will be required to pay a fee or you provide all your travel, food and accommodation expenses. Caravan Route: The caravan will be crossing through 5 of the eight provinces: Nairobi, Rift-Valley, Central, Eastern and the Coast Province. The caravan leaves Nairobi on the 3rd of August 2005. Nairobi is the Capital City of Kenya, and the National Park is 10 km away. Then proceed to Mai Mahiu through Nairobi Nakuru Highway. Lake Naivasha is best known for flamingoes and other animals. The Great Rift Valley's best view! Then we go to Nakuru and few kilometres away from the hot springs, L. Bongoria. Nakuru is well known because of Lake Nakuru and Menengai Crater. Then to Nyahururu where you will see the Thomson Falls, after which we'll be heading to Nyeri facing Mt. Kenya, with the best view of the mountain with snow on top. Then down to Murang’a, Thika, where there are the 14 falls, then Machakos, Kibwezi, Voi--where the Tsavo National Park is situated--down to Mombasa, the best place for beach and sun bathing and that ends the caravan. Feel free to stay at the coast and leave at your own leisure. This is but a highlight of what you will come across on the way. Much more to discover on the route! All the best, Wambui Kung'u