The Search for Common Ground Kenya and the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a safer and more inclusive digital space in Kenya, through student-led activities.
Addressing TUM top management and staff on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the TUM's conference hall, Search for Common Ground, Horn of Africa Director Ms Judy Kimamo said the strategic partnership will focus on three major areas namely, prevention and response to Technology-Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV), Digital Peace Building and advancement of Freedom of Religion and Belief.
“In our digital era, technology-facilitated gender-based violence has become a serious concern. Through this partnership, we aim to build awareness, develop resources, and create robust systems that will protect individuals, particularly vulnerable groups from online abuse. This will be a crucial step toward ensuring that digital spaces in Kenya are safe and inclusive for all, ” Ms Kimamo said.
On digital peace-building, the Search Director elaborated that the collaboration will focus on transforming digital platforms into spaces for peace and understanding by engaging university students, faculty, and the broader community in peace-building activities, such as promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and empathy across diverse communities in Kenya.
“Freedom of Religion and Belief is fundamental to building peaceful societies. Together we will promote interfaith dialogue and foster respect and understanding among different religious communities in Kenya. This collaboration is a unique opportunity to combine our strengths and resources for a just, peaceful and safe society," Ms Kimamo said, adding that:
"For Search, this partnership allows us to tap into the academic expertise of one of Kenya’s premier institutions. It will enable us to research more communities and amplify our impact on the ground."
In his speech, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics Research and Extension Prof Peter Gichangi highlighted that the MOU will open doors for meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. He reiterated that the partnership would provide students with opportunities for community development, digital advocacy, and social change.
Prof Gichangi said: “Our partnership signifies a shared vision where technology is harnessed for positive change, where young people have a platform to make their voices heard, and where diversity is celebrated as a strength.”
The climax of the event was the launching of a peace club at TUM. Prof Gichangi took the opportunity to urge students to embrace diversity by promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering respect and understanding among different religious organizations in the institution.
Search for Common Ground is the world’s largest dedicated peace-building organization operating in over 30 countries. Its core mandate is to transform the way individuals, communities, and societies deal with conflict away from adversarial approaches and toward collaborative solutions.
