Play Football Make Peace

In December, Peace Dream Program Director, Robin Graham visited Kenya on a fact finding visit. One year earlier, in December 2007 and January 2008 there was a disturbing outbreak of violence following the presidential election. The repercussions, with over 1200 people killed, are still felt in Kenya.
 
Play Football Make Peace (PFMP)  is a Peace Dream grass roots program which empowers global youth to transform football by creating a sports culture of responsibility, excellence and peace. Dr. Karambu Ringera ( Dr. K.) was introduced to PFMP through a fellow peace activist in Colorado, USA, Ms Wendy Forster. Dr. K. earned a PhD in Human Communication Studies from the University of Denver in Colorado in June 2007.

The December trip to Kenya was to assess how PFMP might be able to cooperate with Dr. Ringera both in her community and also on a national level working through football to improve social cohesion, to improve levels of moral character, and to offer new ways to motivate and give hope to youth.
 
Dr. K has started programs for single mothers suffering with H.I.V. and A.I.D.S. and has founded an orphanage. In running for political office last year she saw how sport could be valuable for the local boys and girls who have very limited resources. 

Robin Graham was able to visit with local coaches and introduce the principles and values which have made the Way of Champions so popular in other countries. The coaches responded very positively, and plans were made to visit four local youth football teams the next day.
 
PFMP is making plans to organize an educational program and a tournament in Kenya for late in 2009.