Mumbi is seeking to break new ground, since she has learnt that holding on to tradition does not necessarily improve people’s quality of life. When she heard that many students in her district were suffering from headaches and nausea, she understood that they were not really physically sick, but more suffering from the strict hierarchic school system, which still allows teachers to use canes for punishment. Now she has developed alternative learning projects as well as projects for women, and combines them with NVC. In fact already a pensioner, she does not think about retirement at all.
Mumbi on NVC: “What I see is that the communication becomes more satisfying and connecting for all, children, teachers and parents. The children learn to say “no” (which is especially important in the context of domestic violence) and how to deal with conflicts. Now they can take care of themselves in a protective way.
I would like the people of Kenya to know that violent language triggers a lot of violence in homes, in schools and in our communities. If we invest in learning non-violent language and using it, the violence can be minimized and we can have better relationships and better lives.”
Profession: Teacher, School inspector in Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Executive director in the “Canopen Education Services Foundation” (CES)