A week ago, Re-Imagining New Communities paid a visit to Baran Qarim, an alumnus of the Children Led Community Peace (CLCP-Labs) program and a beneficiary of the Re-Imagining New Communities sponsorship initiative. The visit took place in his modest home located in Dandora Phase 1, where he lives with his mother, the family’s sole breadwinner, and his three brothers. Baran is a Form Two student at Our Lady of Fatima, Korogocho.
The primary purpose of this home visit was to evaluate the impact of the CLCP-Labs program over the past three years and to understand how the sponsorship has supported Baran’s life. Baran expressed his excitement about the visit, and the time spent together was both enjoyable and insightful.
The joy of the season was evident as they connected, sharing festive cheer and inspiration. Baran expressed how the CLCP-Labs program has significantly impacted his personal growth and development. Through the program, he has gained a variety of valuable skills and insights that he now applies in his daily life. The training offered by the program has not only increased his self-awareness but has also empowered him to make more thoughtful decisions regarding his relationships and social interactions. He highlighted the importance of surrounding himself with positive influences and intentionally avoiding negative company, which has led to a noticeable improvement in his overall well-being.
Baran elaborated on the social skills he developed, highlighting his ability to build peaceful relationships with friends and neighbors. He mentioned that the program equipped him with effective communication techniques, enabling him to address conflicts constructively. In his classroom, specifically in Form Two West, he has confidently assumed the role of a mediator. “Whenever conflicts arise among my classmates,” he explained, “I feel a strong sense of responsibility to address the issues directly. I make it a point to delve into the root causes of the disputes and collaborate with my peers to find mutual solutions that satisfy everyone involved.”
Deeply appreciative of the Re-Imagining New Communities organization, Baran stated, “The CLCP-Labs program has been instrumental in shaping my approach to conflict resolution and community engagement. I would strongly encourage schools to enroll their students in this transformative program. I believe it holds the potential to assist many young individuals in navigating the complexities of their social environments effectively.”
He also conveyed a significant sense of relief and joy stemming from the sponsorship he receives from Re-Imagining New Communities. This support has allowed him to continue his education alongside his peers, a privilege he values deeply. Baran confided that the financial sponsorship not only eases the economic burden on his family, particularly his mother but also inspires him to work diligently in his studies. He has set his sights on pursuing a career in Software Engineering, and this aspiration fuels his commitment to his education.
During the home visit, Baran and his mother reflected on the profound impact that Re-Imagining New Communities has had on their lives through their generous sponsorship of his education. “I often wonder what my educational journey would have been like without this support,” Baran remarked. “There was a real possibility that I might have had to drop out of school, which would have severely limited my future opportunities.” As the visit continued, they took a moment to stop by and visit Vivian and Edgar, two other alumni of the CLCP-Labs program who also reside in the neighborhood.
Baran’s mother shared her perspective on the financial challenges of raising three children enrolled in different schools. She stated, “I am currently responsible for paying tuition for two of my children, one in college and the other in secondary school. Managing the fees for all three on my unstable income would have been nearly impossible. The support from Re-Imagining New Communities in sponsoring one of my children’s education has brought me significant relief. I sincerely appreciate the incredible work that this organization does for families like ours. They have consistently been responsive and timely in addressing our needs. I pray that Almighty God continues to bless everyone involved in the organization for their invaluable help.”
The visit concluded on a warm note, filled with heartfelt discussions that occasionally touched on emotional themes. As Baran, his family, and the visiting team strolled along the vibrant streets of Dandora Phase 1, they took in the lively sights and sounds of the neighborhood, further deepening their bond and understanding of one another’s experiences.