Kenya

Our PeaceJam club’s environmental efforts have been so successful that in June of 2008, we were invited by Denver Sister Cities International to meet with the Mayor of Denver’s third sister city- Nairobi, Kenya.  Major Geoffrey Majiwa was led through Waste Management’s single stream recycling facility with Ponderosa’s PeaceJammers.  Coming from a city with no formal structures for waste disposal, let alone recycling, Mayor Majiwa was inspired to hear our ideas and successes on recycling, energy management, and youth and community involvement.  The Mayor was so impressed by our PeaceJam club that we have been invited to a private meeting with the Prime Minister of Kenya, the Honorable Raila Odinga, when he visits Colorado later this year. 

To keep our current connection with Kenya thriving, PeaceJam is currently working to buy seeds for Kenyan farmers.  Many areas of Kenya have been severely affected by climate change and tribal conflicts, leaving many farms unplanted or abandoned.  With a projected famin looming in the coming years, we are working to provide seeds to areas in need.  Our group recently began selling hand painted canvas sacks, not only supporting the seed project but also encouraging the use of reusable shopping bags.  So far, we have provided enough seed to plant over 20 acres of maize in Kenya.