Virtues Kenya

Dedication of Virtues Centre, Kakamega

2011-11-21T03:54:00.000-08:00

During the past year we received donations from the Virtues Facilitators mentorship in Victoria, Canada, and a shipment of materials from the Virtues Founders in memory of John Kavelin (co-founder) It has taken a while but last Saturday we dedicated our centre in Kakamega to the memory of John. We hosted a number of Virtues-trained people (and some who aren't yet) and had a few of our facilitators on hand. We set out a table of sample materials.

New seminar

2011-11-11T06:17:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, November 12, we will offer a one-day seminar on the Pace of Grace-- Advanced Virtues for a Sustainable Life. We all need calm and order in our busy lives. This will be a chance to plan and reflect

Linda and Dan send greetings

2011-07-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Linda and Dan Popov graciously received greetings from Kenya at the Pace of Grace workshop in Parksville, Canada. The materials they so generously donated have arrived in Kenya and will be unpacked and distributed in a ceremony to remember John Kavelin Popov, co-founder.

AGM information

2011-02-27T04:24:00.000-08:00

The Annual General Meeting was held in Emuhaya on Saturday, February 26.
Of general interest to the membership:
- Daniel Ong'ayi has resigned as Chairperson of the board due to pressure of work. He will remain as a board member. Boaz Okoko was elected chair, with Lydia Atemi as Vice-chair. We congratulate and welcome our new officers.
- Branches of VSK were announced for Nairobi (headed by Master Facilitator Tamara Soltani) and Kakamega (headed by Master Facilitator Richard Andabwa)
Branches will follow the constitution of the Society but may establish their own governing board and bank accounts if circumstances warrant.Bibiana Andabwa has accepted to be coordinator of training. Branches are requested to communicate news of training sessions to her so that she can report to the board.
The membership expressed its happiness at the growth of Virtues Kenya.
-In order to assist the trainers, the board has proposed the position of 'coach' for various areas. These are Virtues practitioners who are willing to have their name put forward at a training as being able to help new members and answer questions. This will be a valuable service. Their names will be mentioned on this web site and in the email loop. Anyone interested in serving as a coach should communicate with a Master Facilitator for their area.
- It is recommended that all board members have an email address to assist with communications.
- members stressed the importance of members paying dues as required and on time. The Society cannot grow if it has no funds.

Annual General Meeting

2011-02-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

The AGM of Virtues Society Kenya will be held on February 26 2011 at Chiritco Centre, Emuhaya, beginning at 10 am.
Agenda will include: Financial report and budget; establishment of branches in Nairobi and Kakamega; training reports; nomination and election of Chairperson; board decisions (information)

All members and those wishing to become members are invited to attend.

Facilitator training

2011-01-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

Training will be held in Kakamega March 11,12 and 13. Sessions will begin the afternoon of 11 and finish at midday March 14.

Please note that merely attending the session does not ensure accreditation as a Virtues facilitator. Certificates and accreditation will be accorded to those whose knowledge, teaching skills and experience meet the requirements of the Master Facilitators.

2010-11-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

We welcome a large number of new members after recent training, so we repeat some current information.
- Please note there will be an on-site teacher training specific to ONE school on Nov 25,26 . Registration for this session is closed.
- there will be a teacher training session in Kakamega on Nov 29,20 (training centre near Frends Hotel) This is a two day session starting at 9 am each day. Space is limtied, so interested teachers must contact Richard at 0721883605 or Patricia at 0720689549 to check if seats are still available.
- the facilitator training planned for Dec 1,2,3 is CANCELLED. Although we have a large number of people who have expressed interest in becoming a facilitator, they have not yet fulfilled all the requirements stipulated. We hope they will be able to attend a training in March 2011.

new Master Facilitator

2010-11-12T04:36:00.000-08:00

Richard Andabwa has received his accreditation as a Master Faciltator. On Wednesday of this week he received the congratulations of 54 attendees at a Virtues deepening in Kakamega. We will now be able to train new facilitators through Richard, even when Patricia is out of the country.

Richard is shown here with his wife, Bibiana, also a trained facilitator.

Planned sessions

2010-11-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

We have held some very successful training sessions—both basic training and follow-up.

Planned sessions:

Nov 8 community training (one day) 9 am to 4 pm in Kakamega (training centre is on left of Friend’s Hotel on Mumias Rd. Bear left and look for the sign opposite St Joseph’s Academy.)

Nov 29, 30 teacher training (probably in Kakamega)

Dec 1,2,3 Facilitator training (Kakamega)
In order to train as a facilitator, you must have taken a basic community AND teacher training, have taken one or more follow-up sessions, have participated (taught) some parts of the basic training. You must have been practicing the Virtues for at least one year. Facilitators are volunteers who wish to give back and enhance their community.

Please contact Patricia at patriciacrossley5@gmail.com or at 0720689549 if you interested in mor information

Up-coming training sessions

2010-10-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

Virtues training for a community group in Kakamega, October, 2010

Please note the following:

Note correction of the following date:

Oct 30 Kakamega - introduction to new 5 card strategy: 10 a.m.
refreshments provided but not transport (training centre behind Friend's Hotel,
Mumias Rd., opp. St Joseph's academy. Look for the Tembo-Kenya banner) email to
patriciacrossley5@gmail.com,
or text to 0720689549 for attendance

Nov. 8 Kakamega: same location as above. Basic training 9.00 am- 4 pm email to patriciacrossley5@gmail.com,
or text to 0720689549 for attendance
Nov 9-10 Kakamega (Christ Church ACK)-
beginning 1.00 pm Nov 9- Deepening for trained Virtues members.

ACK clergy are pre-registered for this session.

Others should email to patriciacrossley5@gmail.com,
or text to 0720689549

Please note that in order to receive a certificate for any of these sessions, you must attend 95% of the training.

Any trained members who are interested in taking the 2-3 day facilitator training email to patriciacrossley5@gmail.com,
or text to 0720689549

Virtues in Canadian primary schools

2010-09-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

This article was recently published:
These elementary school children are virtuousPublished Friday September 17th, 2010 (Fredericton, Canada)
Children at Douglas Elementary School and McAdam Avenue Elementaryare shining examples of what can happen when children are taught virtuesand assets and apply them to their lives.
Virtues are the best qualities within us all.
The strategies of the Virtues Project help children to remember whothey really are and to know that the purpose of life is to have alife purpose.
Virtues are the content of our character and the elements ofthe human spirit. They exist within each of us in potential.
The role of teachers is to bring these virtues to life that alreadyexist within a child.Students at these two schools and others in the area are learningvirtues and it's making a difference.
Each month the schoolsconcentrate on one specific virtue. The kids talk about it in class. Students who exhibit a virtue receive a slip that says they deserve praise for their efforts and their names are announced each Monday morning to the entire school.Every Friday one student that has been recognized for their effortsreceives a prize.
This month the children are studying co-operation, working togetherfor the good of everyone.The students know that they are practising co-operation when theywork well with others and follow the rules.They understand that to co-operate means to offer help and ideasfreely and that it happens when they do their part to keep a safe andhealthy environment.
Fredericton area parent Brenda MacAloon is a Virtues Project facilitator who worked with two of the founders of the InternationalVirtues Project when it was presented to area schools several yearsago.Her experience with virtues started when she was expecting her firstchild and decided this is the way she wanted to raise her family. For a child, she says, the Virtues Project is empowering.
"These virtues are like a little gem that they have inside of them but it takes someone to see it in them before they really believe that they have it. I fell in love with this. It has changed my life, how Ithink, how I treat myself."
Louise LaBerge is Grade 2 teacher at Douglas Elementary. She attended the virtues training workshop and knew it was something she wanted in her life and in the lives of her students."It's caused me to change the way I think, the way I communicate withmy students. It's a very powerful way of speaking, living andcommunicating with people that is very empowering."
Just after a fire drill, she told the children she was proud of the responsibility, the courtesy and purposefulness the children displayed during the fire drill."When I see a child drop something on the floor and I see three others going over to help pick it up I say, 'thank you for your kindness andyour helpfulness.'"
It's all about celebrating good behaviour and virtuous living rather than shaming a child for inappropriate behaviour, she explains.The children are as excited about the virtues project as their teachers.
At McAdam Avenue School, Grade 5 student Timothy Chonkhite says when he studied determination and put it into practice, it helped him to stay focused in school.
For Mitchell Vance, who is also in Grade 5 at this school, studying the virtues made him think about other people.
Jack Oulton and Destiny Leighton are in Grade 4 at Douglas School. They agree that virtues are important and that everyone should try to use them in their lives as often as possible.

Laverne Stewart is a staff writer at The Daily Gleaner.

Virtues Mentorship in Victoria, Canada

2010-06-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

At the end of May, 2010, nearly 40 Virtues Facilitators and Master Facilitators gathered in Victoria, British Columbia for four days of sharing, deepening and growing in the Virtues. Participants came from across Canada, the US, Honduras and Africa. Many wonderful things happened and I hope to share some of them with you over the next few weeks.

I made a short video of Richard and Bibiana Andabwa and have posted it on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4Roxd_BM4g (Title: Virtues Project Kenya)

Leadership for Virtues

2010-05-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Many of our Virtues trained teachers and community leaders have gone back to their place of work as the only Virtues practitioner. This is very hard to do. As I read the following article I thought of you as you try to spread the word about Virtues and how the five strategies can transform lives.

In your school or community the first follower is crucial. It takes courage to be the first follower, as you also stand out, opening yourself to ridicule. Being a first follower is an underappreciated form of leadership. the first follower transforms a lone idealist into a leader. If the leader is the flint, the first follower is the spark that really makes the fire.

A second follower is attracted, then a few more, and then suddenly everyone wants to be a part of what is now a movement. So if you want to start a movement, remember the importance of nurturing the first few followers. Be public and easy to follow.

Sometimes leadership is over glorified since it's actually the first follower who is the key catalyst. There is no movement without the first follower. We are told we all need to be leaders but that would be ineffective. The best way to make a movement, if your really care, is to courageously follow and show others how to follow.

Reminder: March 13

2010-03-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

Emmaloba primary has recently trained student Peace Keepers. They are delighted by the positive changes in discipline and behaviour. Come to a deepening session at Emmaloba primary (Maseno area) where we will cover: Setting Clear Boundaries and Peace Keeper Training. If time allows we will also look again at Spiritual Companioning.
The session will start at 10 am in the school. Refreshments will be provided.

All trained Virtues practitioners are welcome.

Patricia replaces Richard

2010-03-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

Richard Andabwa was admitted to hospital two weeks ago and has undergone a serious operation. He is now progressing well and we thank everyone for their prayers.
Because of Richard's health, Patricia conducted the training for police officers in Kimili. Again, the session was short, but the particpants all said that this session will be of great use to them in their families and communities.

Wecome to Kolanya High School teachers

2010-03-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, March 2, Patricia, Lydia Atemi and Esther Bokelo conducted a training session for the teachers of Kolanya High School in Teso District. Although the session was shorter than usual, which meant that we were not able to do many of the interactive exercises, the evaluations were positive and we hope these teachers will stay in touch with us.

Recent training

2010-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last week Richard Andabwa and Patricia conducted a Virtues community training for 40 Anglican clergy in Kakamega. A guest in the group was a senior police officer(provincial staffing) She has arranged for Richard to do a session with trainee police officers this Friday. Patricia conducted a training for 15 teachers and community members last Saturday at Mwiyenga (near Musoli). We will do the second session this coming Friday. Members of both these groups will be invited to join the Virtues Society and to participate in the email list.We all look forward to hearing news from anyone.

New facilitators and an email site

2010-02-09T00:33:00.000-08:00

We welcome newly trained facilitators in Kakamega, Emuhaya and Nairobi.

Virtues practioners in East Africa now have a means of coomunication by email To join the Virtues Kenya email group, send your email address to patriciacrossley5 (a) gmail,com. Or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/virtueskenya and request membership

Training sessions planned

2010-01-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

January 28, 29-- Community training in Kakamega area
February 10-11-- Clergy training in Kakamega
February 13 and 20-- cluster school training Mwiyenga (near Musoli)
March 13-- follow up sessions for trained teachers in Maseno area--focus on setting Clear Boundaries, Peace Keepers and Spiritual Companioning for disasters and traumas.

NOTE: some sessions are planned for Nairobi. Fot more information contact Tamara Soltani:

Tamara Soltani (Nairobi) tamara.soltani(a)gmail.com 254 (0)770178620 (ENG ONLY)

Facilitators in Kenya

2010-01-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

The following are the accredited facilitators for Kenya and the means to contact them
All can conduct training in English or the vernacular except where noted.

General enquiries: Virtues Society Kenya: Daniel Ong'ayi: danielongayi(a)yahoo.com
tel: 254 (0) 722387263
For email to the following use the above address:All in the Emuhaya, Maseno,Kisumu area:
Lydia Atemi 254 (0) 713828591
Mary Imbuye 254 (0)725872745
Desma Keya 254 (0)725969155
Esther Bokelo 254 (0)720840515
Ruth Ameyo 254 (0) 722387263
Esther Lilahu 254 (0) 0723257138

Boaz Okoko: boazokoko(a)yahoo.com 254 (0)720694698

Tamara Soltani (Nairobi) tamara.soltani(a)gmail.com 254 (0)770178620 (ENG ONLY)
Richard Andabwa (Kakamega) bandabwa(a)yahoo.com 254 (0) 721883605
Bibiana Andabwa (Kakamega) bandabwa(a)yahoo.com 254 (0) 723582252

How do I become a Facilitator?

2009-12-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

All those who have completed the basic training are encouraged to present to small groups as the opportunity arises or to assist a Facilitator. Facilitators require superior skills and undertake an additional 2-3 day training in order to be able to conduct full training workshops.

You should have been a practitioner of the Virtues for more than a year (preferably two) and have shown evidence of spreading information about the Virtues to others.

You are required to take the additional training and teach a session in cooperation with Patricia, the Master Facilitator.

We are particularly looking for people who can present with authority and confidence to business groups, church organizations and government officials. These people should be prepared to organize and conduct a full workshop, possibly alone, and to donate their time free of charge.

maintaining communication by email

2009-12-20T00:37:00.000-08:00

A number of people mentioned they would like more time for the workshop. In fact, we offer more time in our seminars than is standard in the basic training elsewhere, but attendees always would like more. It is recommended that you attend future sessions when offered and you will find details of these on this site Also mentioned was the need to be able to communicate even if we are widely dispersed. I urge you to make use of technology to do this. I intend to send up an e-mail group dedicated to the Virtues. I will accept anyone who has an email address. Here is what you do:
- send your email address to me at patriciacrossley5@gmail.com, with VIRTUES GROUP in the subject line and mentioning your school or organisation
- I will respond with an invitation to join the group. When your receive this invitation just click ‘join group’
- you can indicate if you want to receive messages individually, in a bunch (digest) or if you want to read the mail on line at the web site. Anyone with computer skills can explain to you how to do this if you are unsure. Once this is done you will automatically receive mail for the first two options when you log into your computer.
The purpose of this group is to give information, to answer questions, to share our stories, to ask for advice and help. Everyone in the group (including me) will receive all messages even when I am in Canada and will be able to help you if you wish.

Training sessions planned

2009-12-20T00:35:00.000-08:00

Training planned:

Jan 8-10: new facilitator training led by Patricia in Kakamega
Jan 14: Bukhayo (nr Malava) Community training facilitated by Patricia and Bibiana Andabwa
date tba: Kitale; Community training facilitated by Patricia
date tba: Matende (nr Kakamega) Community training facilitated by Patricia
Feb 2 & 3: ACK clergy training facilitated by Patricia
Feb: Nairobi: new educators training facilitated by Patricia

For training contact the Virtues Society Kenya

Maseno deepening training and for new teachers

2009-12-20T00:23:00.000-08:00

We held very successful training sessions in Maseno in December. The first welcomed twenty participants who have done the basic training in Virtues. They returned for a ‘deepening’ session, to share their experiences and to support each other. Without exception all participants testified to the positive effects the Virtues has given to their schools in terms of discipline and performance.
The second session welcomed fifteen new trainees, mostly teachers. We had hoped for more participants, but the problems with school funding made it difficult for many head teachers to send their staff members.
The serious problems with primary funding were a topic of one of our ‘examples’ during the training.

Apart from direct benefits to schools, we also know that the Virtues assist us in conflict resolution and healing.

We honour all those, teachers and non teachers who committed their time and resources to attend.

Mentorship Conference for Virtues Facilitators

2009-11-30T22:27:00.000-08:00

A conference is planned for Victoria, Canada, in May 2010 for trained Virtues Facilitators. Although the majority of participants will be from Canada and the US, we are hoping that two of our Kenyan facilitators will be able to attend. This will be a wonderful opportunity for them to learn and also to inform others about our work in Kenya.
We will post more as plans are finalized.

Training dates for facilitators and others

2009-11-30T03:42:00.000-08:00

Family Friends group will complete training for Communities on Dec 5 in Kakamega (One day)

Experienced Virtues practioners are invited to a deepening session on Dec 14 & 15 at Maseno (see previous post)
New teacher members will be trained on Dec 16 and 17 at Maseno (see previous post)

Patricia Crossley (Master Facilitator) will train new Facilitators in Kakamega in January, 2010. Sessions will be held at Kakamega Sports Club on January 8 (afternoon), January 9 (all day) and January 10 (all day)

Facilitators must have completed basic training and have been active practitioners of Virtues for more than a year (preferably two)

AGM and Training in December 2009

2009-10-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

Virtues Society Kenya will hold its AGM in December:

Date: December 14, 2009 at 10 a.m.

Location: St Philip's Theological College, Maseno, Western Province

This will be a wonderful opportunity to share our experiences of Virtues in our schools and communities. Please join us.

Virtues training sessions are planned as follows:

Dec 14 (afternoon) and Dec 15 (all day) : follow-up and deepening session for trained Virtues practitioners

Location: St Philip's Theological College, Maseno

Dec. 16 (afternoon) and Dec. 17 (all day): training session for new practitioners (10 hours)

Location: St Philip's Theological College, Maseno

Please note: The training and accommodation including meals is provided free of charge thanks to donations from supporters in Canada. Participants must cover their own travel costs. Accommodation is HOSTEL (shared) Guests are asked to bring their own towel.

For more information contact Patricia (patriciacrossley5(at)gmail.com) or Daniel (danielongayi(at)yahoo.com)

This will be a wonderful oportunity to share our experiences of Virtues in our schools and communities. Please join us.

The Virtues

2009-10-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

The Virtues
VIRTUES SOCIETY KENYA (Society registered in Kenya)
Contact information: Daniel Ong’ayi, 0722387263 danielongayi(at)yahoo.com
Patricia Crossley, Project Founder, Master Facilitator Virtues Project International representative and liaison 0720689549 patricia(at)patriciacrossley.com

THE VIRTUES CAN LEAD KENYA TO HEALING AND RECONCILIATION

The Virtues Project™ was honored by the United Nations as a model program for families of all cultures. Now the Virtues Project ™ is offered to educators, counselors, social workers, youth leaders and community groups to awaken their young people and neighbours to their innate spirituality and qualities of good character.
The Virtues are described as the qualities or attributes of God that can be reflected in the human soul.The Virtues Project™ was authored in Canada and is now being used in thousands of homes, schools and institutions across Canada, Australia, America, Europe, the Pacific Islands, Korea and Malaysia.
In Tanzania since 2003, over 500 parents, teachers and social workers have testified to the empowering knowledge and skills they have discovered for the best way of living with their families, and handling their children in a positive way. The programme is now integrated into teaching training in Tanzania.
In Kenya (Western Province) more than 1,000 people have been trained. Schools have desisted from corporal punishment, their relationships have improved. Parish groups, communities and a hospital attest to the value of the Virtues in maintaining and promoting peaceful relationships.
Communities have learned:
· How to develop the virtues, the qualities of good character in themselves and their children
· How to inspire Excellence, Justice, Compassion, Cooperation, Trustworthiness, Honesty and Respect for people, property and nature
· How to guide children to make wise moral choices, how to deal with grief and loss, how to resolve problems with their own inner strength
· How to work successfully with children without the use of beating, caning or bad language.
· How to make use of Restorative Justice in dealing with young people or others who have done a bad deed.
The Head Teacher of Emmatsi School says: “I have seen a great improvement at our school as far as leadership [and performance] is concerned. .. Our school is committed to excellence...I use the Virtues and Virtues language throughout my teaching...”
The Provincial Education Officer of Western Province says: “Though it is in its initial stages we have already seen significant improvement in student discipline and performance”
The Head Teacher of Hombala School says: “The Virtues have helped to improve the discipline of the school. We have 9 Peace keepers. By the use of the Virtues we have improved the academic standards of this school.”
All the participants of previous workshops declare that they have found the new learnings beneficial as they apply them in their relationships with their children and students and members of their community.
The Virtues will be used by a community Task Force in the process of reconciliation and healing in the Kakamega area.
A team of accredited Kenyan Facilitators is available to conduct workshops and seminars for schools, families and communities.
In those schools where the whole staff has been trained, they have totally abandoned the use of the sticks to punish children. Student learning has improved.Research shows that when students experience fear and humiliation, learning shuts down.
The Virtues Project™ is faith based and can be embraced by any person of any faith.

There is convincing evidence that the Virtues Project™ is the most effective and powerful tool for eliminating violence in the families, communities and schools.

For further information contact the Project Coordinator/Facilitator:Daniel Ong’ayi
Lydia Atemi0722387263 0713828591
or Western Province Sustainable Healing and Reconciliation Task Force: Richard Andabwa 0721883605

FROM: Patricia Crossley: Virtues International Representative in Kenya.