In mid-2025, Youth Relief and Development Program (YRDP) reached out to Play for Peace with a heartfelt inquiry—exploring how play could support peacebuilding among youth and adults in the Kakuma Refugee Camp. Through a series of online conversations and reflective exchanges, a shared intention began to take shape.

Soon after, the Kakuma Vocational Center (KVC) also connected with Play for Peace, expressing interest in bringing experiential peacebuilding practices to their learning community. Recognizing the alignment of vision and purpose, Play for Peace brought both organizations together.

What followed was a collaborative co-design process, where YRDP, KVC, and Play for Peace jointly shaped a hybrid Play for Peace introduction workshop. Designed not just to teach, but to experience collaboration, the workshop brought people together across physical and virtual spaces—bridging distance, cultures, and lived realities through play, reflection, and shared learning.

A Hybrid Space of Connection

On December 5, 2025, 25 participants—mostly youth and adults—gathered for this unique experience. While two physical circles formed within the camp, facilitators and hosts joined online, weaving a shared learning space through Zoom and WhatsApp.

The workshop was facilitated by Play for Peace trainers Swati Bhatt and Agyatmitra from India, with community engagement hosted by Sinthuja from Sri Lanka. Despite the physical distance, play, reflection, and connection flowed seamlessly—demonstrating that peace can be practiced anywhere when intention and care are present.

Listening, Cooperation, and Courage

Participants explored Play for Peace values—inclusion, cooperation, care, and fun—through experiential activities that encouraged listening, teamwork, and nonviolent communication. The reflections that followed revealed deep learning and personal transformation:

“I learned how to listen to others without judging, and it made me feel more connected to my team.”
— Sammuel Asongo, 20, Youth Participant

“The activities helped me understand that peace starts with small actions in our daily lives.”
— Charlotte Lotombo, 23, Youth Facilitator

“I feel more confident to speak up and resolve conflicts without anger or violence.”
— Steve Irakoze, 36, Youth Participant

“Working in teams during the games showed me the importance of cooperation and respecting everyone’s ideas.”
— Takwin Idriss, 27, Youth Facilitator

“I want to share what I learned here with my friends and family to help our community live peacefully.”
— Chajen Dang Yien, 31, Youth Facilitator

Two Clubs, One Shared Journey

As the session closed, the energy did not fade—it multiplied. Two peace clubs were formed to carry the journey forward:

• YRDP – Zoom Furaha Club (“Furaha” means happiness)

• KVC – Play for Peace Club

These clubs now serve as local spaces for ongoing practice, reflection, and leadership—rooted in joy and collective responsibility.

Looking Ahead...

YRDP shared inspiring ideas for next steps, including:

• Weekly youth-led Practice Peace Sessions

• Peer facilitation training

• Community awareness campaigns

• Reflection circles

This collaboration reminds us that even in contexts shaped by displacement and uncertainty, play can open pathways to hope, dignity, and belonging.

We are deeply grateful to YRDP, KVC, the facilitators, and every participant who stepped into this shared space of learning. From Kakuma to the wider Play for Peace community—the journey has begun.