Cultural Diversity: Practice of myth values theory
Ethnic peace is in Kenya is still elusive despite the widely publicized 2008 ethnic violence. The crisis that followed a contentious election left thousands of people dead and many more maimed and homeless. It was a demonstration of the volatility of interethnic relations in the country. The government has since tried to improve ethnic relations using a variety of methods, including legal and inter-ethnic cultural activities such as games and sports, but there has not been either widespread or lasting success. The latest is the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) promoted by the President and the Opposition Leader, but its success is unlikely violence and abuses and divisions in events to promote it. Desperate Kenyans are urging for new approaches to create lasting peace. The Syokimau Cultural Centre believes that ethnic violence is rooted in ideas that people hold and which are transmitted through folklore. The Myth Values Theory introduces a fresh approach to the search for interethnic peace.
Cultural diversity supports the idea that every person can make a unique and positive contribution to the larger society because of, rather than in spite of, their differences. Diversity, therefore, brings in new ideas and experiences, and people can learn from each other. Bringing in different ideas and perspectives leads to better problem-solving. Working in diverse teams opens dialogue and promotes creativity. The value of diversity is true for all cultures. In schools and other institutions of learning, in workplaces, in social places and even in homes, people from different cultural backgrounds bring their own knowledge and life experiences.
One way to learn about other cultures is to participate in Intercultural training workshops.
Course Rationale: to interact with others without demeaning, invalidating or disempowering their cultural identity.
Recommended for organizations and groups.
To participate, please call Tel: 0727536174, 0727536174; email mkyendo@syokimauculturalcentre.org or mkyendo@gmail.com
See our Events page for upcoming community cultural festivals.
Featured Books
Fundamental Theories of Ethnic Conflict: Explaining the root causes of ethnic and racial hate
This book develops and expands on theories that aim at explaining the root causes of ethnic and racial conflicts. The aim is to shift focus from research, policies and strategies based on tackling the effects of ethnic and racial conflicts, which have so far been ineffective as evidenced by the increase in ethnic conflicts, to more fundamental ideas, models and strategies. Contents extend across many disciplines including evolution, biology, religion, communication, mythology and even introspective perspectives.
Drawn from around the world, contributors to the book are respected and experienced award-winning authors, scholars and thinkers with a deep understanding of their special fields of contribution. The book was inspired by the conditions in Kenya, where ethnic violence flared up with terrifying consequences following a disputed election in 2008. Although the conflict was resolved by the intervention of the international community, Kenyans – like many other Africans – continue to live in fear of ethnic conflicts breaking out with more disastrous consequences. The book will be useful to policymakers, NGOs and others involved in promoting peace. It will also be useful in guiding research and as a textbook in universities and colleges.