Reflections on a visit to the Africa Section, FWCC in 2007

Since the first missionary visits in 1902, the Quaker movement in Kenya has grown in numbers and spiritual strength, such that it provides questions as to why it has done so well in meeting the needs of people. The post election traumas suffered by Kenyans could not have been guessed at, although the 78% overall unemployment, with youth unemployment touching 90%, the stories of corrupt and overpaid politicians, were only an undercurrent six months ago. In Western Kenya, where the main disturbances have taken place, there has been massive internal displacement of people, who have lost their homes, their relatives, crops and businesses. For an up to date reportage, see www.fwccworld.org and see the Kenya blog. Friends from around the world are encouraged to give generously to assist with aid and other measures which will lessen the conflict and bring peace back into the troubled areas. The rest of this report captures the day to day struggles and aspirations as I saw them last year.

The impact of HIV/AIDS on the whole of Africa was something I had read a lot about. I was really moved with the visible face of this pandemic. In all of the homes I stayed in there were an additional up to seven children, all relatives of siblings who had died. Quite well off households told me they did not know how they would find resources to pay the compulsory secondary school fees and other costs of raising children. I did not see much evidence of HIV/AIDS education.

HIV AIDS Orphans at Mukhonjie Feeding Centre, Malava Yearly Meeting

Missionary visits from 1902 onwards, bought skills of literacy, carpentry, agriculture, brickmaking and engineering. Kenya’s rich soil was fertile ground for both the Christian message and the work ethic. The gospel was welcomed by the tribes around Kaimosi, and following translation of the Bible and the attainment of literacy, the Christian message was embraced with zeal and passion. Missions were established, followed by schools, health centres, churches. Individuals were equipped with skills which moved them into the modern era.

The missionaries, which included many from Ohio USA and Britain, focused on whole families, rather than individuals and encouraged marriage between Friends. They trained locals well in business, to build small shops, become lorry owners, developed water drawn mills for grinding corn and maize, printing presses and taught tailoring.

Quakers became councilors, magistrates and at national level members of the Legislative Council and Ministers of State. Others have risen high in the public service and professional fields.

Today, the Western provinces are sill predominantly rural – electricity cables (for hydro electricity) are just being installed and broadband wireless technology is about to arrive. The heavy rainfall ensures adequate water and that crops do not fail, but piped water is rarely found- women do backbreaking work, carrying huge buckets in every household.

In Kenya generally there is much poverty and in Africa is known for having the largest gap between the very wealthy and those impoverished. Crime is rampant, as is corruption in all levels of government and politics. The roads are nearly all in great disrepair. Public transport is by matatas- minibuses designed to carry 14, but are always packed more tightly. Few jobs, means there is little cash and although Quakers hope to pay tithes to support or develop their structures, this is often impossible. Many workers in Friends churches or projects are volunteers.

Members of Lugari Yearly Meeting at a project for development

Quaker Organisation: With minor differences, the 15-16 Yearly Meetings are organized around similar principles. Initially there were marked tribal differences between different peoples in the Western Highlands. They were not the only or obvious reason for so many yearly meetings being formed. Rather, it was explained to me, that in order to provide pastoral care at all levels, a Yearly Meeting could not grow beyond say 20,000 people. When numbers grew, the Yearly meetings would divide into two.

Village Meetings: Often have up to 500 Friends with a pastor who conducts services, does evangelization and counseling. A lot is expected of these predominantly male pastors, who receive in-service training initially. If money permits, some are offered further training to certificate or diploma level at Kaimosi Quaker University. However, some of these pastors are not paid an adequate living. They have no transport and do struggle in this system.

Monthly Meetings: These are groups of Village Meetings, and have a more experienced pastor, who would be paid a small wage. There would also be a church structure, and associated projects at this level.

Quarterly Meetings have churches- more than one pastor and projects

Yearly Meetings: A General Superintendent (paid), oversees the pastoral work of the entire Yearly Meeting, often around 20,000 members. The other positions are: General Secretary (paid), Presiding Clerk (P/C), and Vice P/C, Treasurer, Trustees etc.

Internal Structures:

USFWI: The United Society of Friends Women International has its HQ in USA. Triennial conferences in the USA or Africa are attended by USFW representatives. At YM level, all have a P/C and all other positions. They are the most active group in the meetings, with project development, income generation, training in home economics, worship and prayer. They do articulate a need for training in management.

Young Friends Program: Quakers up to 35- even a little older. These groups were less visible to me- unemployment lays a heavy burden on them. They contribute greatly to the music in church services, help in Sunday Schools. In most meetings I was asked if I knew of ways of getting them more keyboards and PA systems, to make services more lively and attractive to them. Some I spoke with, see development of their own businesses as a dream, but lack cash resources to make a start. Many graduates, work as volunteers in positions, whilst being maintained by their families.

I did meet with Bainito Wamala in his Eldoret office- who volunteers his time to play a co-ordinating role with Young Friends in Africa and internationally. He arranges leadership seminars, which also present Quakerism in a larger context. The next seminar is now go out and serve in May 2008. Exchange programs are nurtured, with young people coming from overseas to the Burundi seminar. He strongly links with FWCC, and the Africa Section Secretary is ex-officio on the Young Friends board. Bainito’s email is: bainito2003@yahoo.co.uk During the current crisis, Bainito has laboured to bring peace back into the area.

Quakermen: The men readily admit that the USFI are more efficient and energetic. However, retired men from government positions do play important roles in management at all levels.

CAPP- Change Agent Peace Program: Most YMs have this program, under which banner, seminars are held providing training in resolution of conflicts. They also are active in monitoring state and local elections. AVP has been in Kenya for some years.

Note: In the current crisis, plans to run more than 200 AVP workshops are in train. There are also plans that with so many Quaker schools, that peace programs be introduced into the curriculum.

Co-ordinating Roles:

FWCC and FUM (Friends United Mission) both play an oversight, communication and co-ordinating role amongst African Friends. All Yearly Meetings are members of both groups. The FWCC Section is based at Friends International Centre at Ngong Rd. Their address is Friends International Centre, Ngong Rd, Nairobi, Tel +254-20-387007, email: Africa@fwcc.quaker.org.

FUM is based at Kaimosi under the leadership of John Muhanji, and the family of Eden and James Grace, from the USA.

I noted that all meetings are aware of the Quaker organization Right Sharing of World Resources, RSWR. Since 2004, RSWR has provided $175,000 to 35 groups in Kenya. I saw some project plans that did not gain funding- RSWR’s criteria is to provide small grants (around $5,000) often to provide revolving loans to women’s groups.

Kaimosi Quaker University: I did not visit Kaimosi. This fledgling university has a school of nursing, business education, education and religious studies. Africa Section welcomes with open arms any person bringing practical or teaching skills to enhance Friends’ facilities and programs.

Nairobi Yearly Meeting The Nairobi Friends Church commenced in the home of Professor Indire (later an FWCC Africa Section Clerk), in 1966, with 6 people. He and others negotiated to purchase land which is now Friends International Centre on Ngong Rd. They raised funds both locally and in the USA. The Africa Section office is in the older part. There are multiple new buildings including a Friends Church seating 2,500- for 3 services each Sunday, a large Conference Centre, numerous offices and other agencies catering to orphans and refugees. Nairobi YM covers Mombassa and all the Kenyan coastal line.

Conclusion: Quakers in more affluent parts of the world are generally interested in Africa- its peoples, and its challenges. We rejoice with them when things go well, and grieve about real disasters like HIV, tribal clashes, endemic corruption in high places and rampant crime. Right now, basic aid is needed, but once civil society is re-established, Friends have many plans and projects to be undertaken.

The AWPS has a great deal to learn from the Africa Section. I anticipate that two way cooperation will bring revival into all of our hearts.

Plans for the 2012 Gathering in Nairobi are still going ahead. This will be an opportunity for visiting Friends to give generously and to learn that through struggle, God is very real to all who have compassionate hearts and seek to serve.

Valerie Joy

AWPS

New projects being planned. Pray that the hopes of 2007 will come back into focus, once the conflict is past.

Valerie Joy

Executive Secretary AWPS