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| Monica Muchew |
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| Monica Muchew in traditional dress during her
'Introduction to Kenya' lecture |
A 26 year old, a female, a medical doctor, a Bantu,
a Kenyan, a humanitarian. All of these descriptions fit the inspirational
and spirited Monica Muchew. Representing the international NGO, International
Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), and the Kenyan
organization, Medical Workers for Social Responsibility (MWSR), this
compassionate woman joined Peace Boat from Singapore to Mombasa, to
share with hundreds of Peace Boat participants her views on the importance
of peace from a medical perspective. Monica's initial talk sought
to inform people about Kenya in general. A slide show and bilingual
information sheet helped participants digest the cultural, political,
administrative and economic framework of the country that they were
soon to visit on 1 January. The audience was especially keen to learn
about the 27 December presidential election, that was reportedly creating
a fever of excitement and optimism within Kenya. Monica explained
that in the past, the voting system known as mlolongo ensured voters
had to literally queue up behind candidates, which invariably resulted
in violence and bribery. The upcoming elections however, would make
use of a secret ballot, and for assorted reasons, Monica believed
that a wave of renewed hope had spread over Kenya because the people
were anticipating much needed positive change. Monica also described
the Kenyan motto of harambee, which intrigued many participants. Meaning
'putting together', harambee is an unofficial social safety net for
people to pool together their resources, such as money, so that an
individual can afford whatever it was that was out of reach on their
own. A clear example, is when people make a collective contribution
for someone to stay in hospital and pay medical bills. Learning about
a port of call prior to arrival from a person with local knowledge
seems to instil a great sense of concern and interest among participants,
and no doubt makes the whole travelling experience all the richer. |
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| Peace Boat's
40th Voyage index |
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PEACE BOAT is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
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