Celebrating 15 Years of Amani ya Juu: Outreach Programs

Over the years, Amani’s commitment to holistic ministry has led to pursuing peace in unique and creative ways. As visionary leaders have emerged, a variety of outreach programs have evolved for sharing peace with women and their families: Amani Garden Café – “Garden of Peace” The Garden Cafe, situated on the compound of the Amani center in Nairobi, Kenya, is a beautiful oasis in a bustling city. The café creates training opportunities in which women learn about food preparation and service. The customers not only enjoy fresh, high-quality food such as  gourmet salads, sandwiches, chai and espresso drinks, but also find the garden a place of peaceful, quiet reflection. [caption id="attachment_871" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Amani's garden cafe, an oasis in a bustling city"][/caption] . Amani Watoto -- “Children of Peace” [caption id="attachment_917" align="alignright" width="500" caption="The whole group together"][/caption] Led by the Amani mothers, Amani Watoto is a day camp for children. [caption id="attachment_911" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Playing telephone"][/caption] Here the youngest in the community learn principles of God’s peace through games, crafts, and stories. With three sessions during school holidays throughout the year, Amani Watoto is shaping the lives of these children. . [caption id="attachment_877" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Bravely negotiating the unsteady steps"][/caption] Amani Sasa – “Peace Now” Through the Amani Sasa program, the teenage children of the Amani mothers are provided with opportunities to learn life skills. The highlight of this program is an outdoor camp for youth. The goal is to help mold minds and hearts in the way of peace and integrity. [caption id="attachment_879" align="alignleft" width="168" caption="Happy to have successfully completed a challenge"][/caption] . . . . . . Amani Pamba – “Adorned with Peace” [caption id="attachment_880" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Janette working on clothing in Nairobi"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_881" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The final walk at the Sankofa Liberia fashion show"][/caption] . The Pamba program provides a platform for artists and designers to tell the story of transformation while showcasing their work on the runway.    Sankofa, an Akan word from West Africa meaning, “look to the past, walk to the future,” is a fashion narrative through which women tell stories of transformation and peace using design, dance, and music. Amani has hosted Sankofa Fashion shows in the US, Liberia, and Kenya. .. . Amani Kazi – “Peace Work” Husbands connected to Amani come together to work in support of peace and reconciliation. When repair or renovation projects are in need at Amani or in the homes of Amani women, the men gather to offer support and service. [caption id="attachment_882" align="alignright" width="500" caption="The men of Amani"][/caption]