PROBLEM STATEMENT

Fresh water is a scarce resource especially in Kenya. Many large organizations waste the resource because they are able to access the it and they are also able to pay for it while there are some needy people who cannot access clean drinking water. An organization like UN for example waste fresh water in their day-to-day activities for example
The urinals run 24 hours hence much water is wasted and there is some cost attributed to it. The cisterns in the toilets have different volumes of water; some have up to 9litres while some have only 5 litres. The above two areas have been identified to consume a lot of water. other areas that the reduction of water need to be considered include; irrigation of the grass that is done during the day, lack of meters so that we cant tell exactly how much is used where, rain water harvesting is not given a priority in the complex.

JUSTIFICATION
Fresh water conservation is essential especially in this error where its believed that the third world war will result from the scramble of the resource. If the initiative of conservation begins from an organization that is well known to advocate for environment protection in the whole world (UNEP), other organizations like companies , universities government institutions can take up the challenge to conserve the already available fresh water so that the excess can be used by the community, the excess can even be sold cheaply to the local people. On the other hand , conservation of the resource will lead to reduction in cost hence the saved money can be channeled into other uses.
main objectives
1 Cost benefit analysis for reducing fresh water consumptions in selected blocks
2 To identify potential options for reducing water consumptions.
Specific objectives
1 Study the efficiency of the sewage treatment plant and establish whether the quality of water is good enough to be re-used to flush the toilets

2 If not, identify the appropriate tertiary treatment of the grey water.

Experimental design
Pilot studies will be done to establish the current situation of water management in the complex, these will include the quality and the quantity, and the current cost of water will also be established these will include the cost for the last five years. Previous attempts to reduce cost will also be looked in to.
Block X will be the experimental block; meters will be put at specific areas to establish how much water is used in the toilets, taps, and urinals. A meter will also be put in the old cafeteria to represent the kitchen. the amount that is consumed will be monitored in normal working days and in conference days this will be monitored for two months.
For the urinals three treatments will be given after establishing a control point for block X
a) closing them during the night- first month
b) introducing an automatic urinal that will only release a specific volume of water once its triggered by lets say a person using it.-second month
c) not using the urinals at all the- third month.
Analysis of variance will be carried out for the data got from the above three experiments using F-test to establish whether there is a significant difference in the amount of water used and establish which method reduces consumption in the urinals most. The best two methods will be tried again in the following month after which t-test will be used to establish the best of the two. This will be tried in block X for one month before its extrapolated to the rest of the blocks. Cost benefit analysis will also be done.
For the toilets different volumes will be put in different citerns in different toilets chosen randomly. To know the number of times one has flashed, a container of known volume of water will be used in block X such that after twelve hours the volume of water used can be established, the experiment will run for one month. This will enable one to establish the average amount that could be used for flushing.

For the efficiency of the treatment plant, nested design will be used. Samples will be collected at the entrance of the oxidation ponds and after treatment. The analysis for corliforms especially e-coli will also be done. This is Marjory to confirm if the water can be reused for flushing the toilets without causing any health hazard. Physico-chemical parameters will also be measured. If the water is not of good quality a tertiary treatment made of gravel bed will be designed so that water passes through the pores for further treatment. The water will finally be collected in a tank where chlorination will take place for disinfect ion. This water will be experimented in block X for re-use in the toilets.
Irrigation will be advocated for at night, evening, very early in the morning only in the dry season. In the rainy season the recycled water will purely be used for flushing the toilets. During the dry season the water can be used to irrigate only selected in the compound not all.
For long-term benefits rain water harvesting will be recommended as a long term measure to reduce fresh water consumption.
An overall cost benefit analysis will be done twice after every three months.
The significance of the reduction will be done statistically using F-test after which recommendations will be made.

Kenyan economy has been traditionally based on agriculture. Although during the past decades the growth of industry and tourism has decreased agriculture's dominance, farming activity still accounts for the major part of the country's economy.
Arts, Culture and Music of Kenya
Kenya, as a nation, has a unique way of life of the people in terms of social institutions values, norms, ethics, attire and the various forms of artistic and literacy expression. This way of life constitutes the culture, expressed in the nation's unique artifacts, songs, art, dance, theatre, literature and a variety of other traditions. These cultural values represent the realization of national unit and cohesion as well as the creation of national pride and a sense of identity. Kenyans see and define culture in a dynamic context that embodies responsiveness to the changing social economic physical, political and technological environment.

REPORT FOR RITE OF PASSAGE TRAINING HELD BETWEEN 25TH –27TH AT VOSH BIBLE SCHOOL






TO
TIG MEMBERS








FROM
STEPHEN ONUNGA
C/O United Community Development Youth Group
P.O BOX 207-40101
Ahero, Kenya
TEL. 0723 319389

















APRIL 2006
Introduction
Rite of Passage Program is fundamental skills enhancement training for young and energetic street children (boys) willing to start and or already practicing entrepreneurs.
The training is designed for those who have been in the program and are in the process of graduating out of the programme to start new life as an independent person.

Those participating will be able to identify and evaluate their business ideas, choose a life free from crime, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and participate in Nation building, get salvation and be born again in Christ and water.

The Training Methods
The facilitators used the following methods to capture the participation of the participants and encourage interactive learning;

1. Brainstorming and Open Discussion
The participants with the assistance of the facilitators were encouraged to interact freely and think about possible solutions to various topics during the training

2 Group Discussions and Presentations
From time to time the participants teamed up in groups for work and discussions to encourage teamwork after which one in each group had the opportunity to present the group findings to other participants.

3. Lecture
The facilitators and invited speakers used this method to capture completely new topics for introduction, summery and easy communication.

4. Questions and Answers
They were used to prompt lively discussions among the participants

5. Games and Energizers
These are Intelligence Quotient tests prepare for brainteasers to keep the learning process on and to prepare the participants for the next session.













Day 1
The training was started by a word of prayer from Rev. Evans at 9.30 am, there after introduction of participants, with the help of facilitators they started by telling their names and where they come from.
Setting Expectations
These expectations come from the participants plenary;
v To know hoe to run a business
v To get saved
v To learn about HIV/AIDS
v To be given money to start own business
v To learn how to maintain good health
‘I don’t know, you are the ones who brought us here and know better our expectations’.
Rules and Norms
These were made by the participants themselves to govern them during the training:
v No making noise in class
v Full participation of members
v Raising of hands to ask or answer questions
v Time management
v No smoking bhang or cigarettes
v No drinking of alcohol
v No walking in and out of the compound without permission
Responsibilities
The following were elected by show of hands to help and guide the participants;
v Time keeper - Erick Otieno
v Welfare officers - Joseph Etuka and Steven Omondi
v Devotion - Duncan Omondi
v Games - George Odhiambo
v Team leader - Stephen Owino
The social worker informed the participants about the purpose of the training; he said that that the training objectives were to help the participants to learn more about;
v Drugs and Substance Abuse
v Youths and Crime
v HIV/AIDS
v The Role of the Youths in Nation Building
v Salvation and Healing
v Basic Entrepreneurship skills
v Baptism
The programmes Director gave her welcoming remarks to the participant’s and the facilitators. She said that the ‘Rite of Passage Program’ was done purposely to graduate old boys out of the program and prepare them for great challenges a head of them. She advises the participants to;
v Observe self discipline
v To settle
v Make good use of their good talents
v Have wisdom
v Form a working group
v Here Gods word
v Take responsibility
The Roles of the Youths in Nation Building
This topic was covered by Provincial Children’s Officer (PCO) Nyanza.
Child
v A person aged between 0-17 years, is considered by the government as a child
v A person aged over 18 years is considered an adult person
v Those who are 21 years and below and still going to school are also considered by the children’s department as children.
Children’s Rights
The PCO said that all children are entitled to the following rights and freedoms;
v Right to have a name
v Right to privacy
v Right to education
v Right to health care
v Right to hold national identity card
v Freedom of association
v Right of protection
v Freedom of worship
Reasons for children rights
v Children are future leaders
v To have equal rights
v All pass through the childhood process
Roles of parents
v To teach their children good morals
v To provide all rights and freedoms of the children
Youths
These are young people aged 15- 25 years old.
According to the statistics 60% of Kenyans are children and youths, more money is now being forwarded towards the youths because they have a lot of untapped talents.
Many orphans and vulnerable children organizations are out to deal with problems affecting the youths.
Role of the Youths.
v To help their parents
v To assist the community
v To help the nation
Regulation
The P.C.O said that government has come up with a policy to protect street youths from arrest without reasons.
Challenges.
v Since youths are the majority he told the participants to reform and take up the community leadership.
v Work heard to become self-reliant
v Respect the low and lows enforcement offices and your Lovell be respected
v Observe discipline ‘cowards and live longer’.

Q.
How can we get national identity cards?
A.
The director will write your names and where you come from and bring to our office for recommendations to the register of persons, but not that when we recommend you don’t misuse our letter.
Q.
Some people are discouraging white people from assisting us what ca we do?
A.
Be aware, some of the white people whom you meet in the street are very dangerous criminal in own countries and have come to seek refuge in our country and pretending to be assisting people. He gave an example of white man arrested recently pretending to be a pastor but sexually assaulting young boys in the church.
Q
Since my child hood I was not provided with many rights and freedoms, both my parents are dead and now I feel that I have missed many rights and freedoms, what can I do now as an adult person?
A
That issue need more time for discussion, kindly make arrangements to see me in my office as soon as possible.

The PCO said that they as children’s department would continue to consult with various stakeholders’ organizations in addressing problems facing street children.
He said that 100 police officers in the region have been trained on handling children’s matters (Children Prevention Unit) desk is open at the Central police station.

The director also introduced to the participants the VOSH Church Council of Elders who were present at the training venue. They included;
1. Arch Bishop Silas Owiti Chairman
2. Bishop Elijah Otieno lake region
3. Bishop James Odero Mombassa
4. Bishop Charles Okungu Kisumu
5. Bishop Barrack Nyando and College principal

In their speeches, they reminded the participants to seek Gods salvation, live by his word, to be self reliant and making use of their God given good talents.
Arch Bishop urged the participants to look for better things of the future and he gave his own life experience. He caused laughter when he said how he has risen from a poor street preacher to Arch Bishop and owner of various vehicles. He said that with Gods blessing he has been invited by former President Moi to state house and had a lunch with him, this he said while referring to the biblical writing, which said that ‘with my blessings you will meet with top country prince’.

The director officially declared the training open after a word of prayer from the Arch Bishop Silas Owiti.
Day 2
The training was started by a word of prayer from Duncan Omondi at 9.30 am. The facilitators brainstormed the participants by asking them questions on what they have learnt the previous day. The participation was good and it proved to us that they were dedicated to learn and master what they have been taught

HIV/AIDS
With the help of the facilitators, the participants were introduced on HIV/AIDS by asking them to define its meaning.

HIV- Stands for Human Immune deficiency Virus
This means that the virus can survive only in human body accompanied by lack of natural protection of the body against infections and can be transmitted from one person to another.
AIDS-Stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
This means that the virus is obtained into the human body, interfering with immune system, leading to lack of natural protection against infections and a companied with a collection of many infections/diseases.

Modes of Transmission
1. Unprotected sex with an infected person
2. Exposure to contaminated blood, blood products and transplant of contaminated organs.
3. Mother to child transmission
4. Exposure to use of unsteralized instruments e.g. needles, syringes etc.
5. Through oral sex and deep kissing
Factors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS

1.Deep-rooted traditions
The following were highlighted by the participants as contributing factors;
v Wife inheritance
v Polygamy
v Witch craft
v Early marriages
2. Belief system
v AIDS is a disease like any other
v AIDS is a curse
v Belief that young virgin girls do not have AIDS.
3.Peer Pressure
v You will become sterile if you don’t ply sex
v You will get problems when giving birth
v Sex cure back aches
v Everyone is doing it, what about me?
4. Competition
v Influence of alcohol
v Child abuse
v Ignorance
v Idleness
v Availability of commercial sex workers
v Availability of illegal chap drugs

Clinical Stages Of HIV/AIDS
This topic was handled by a doctor from Kisumu district hospital
Stage 1
This is the initial stage of HIV infection

Stage 2: window period
During this period a person who is infected will not show any signs and symptoms of infection until they develop to AIDS
This stage last for 3 months, thereafter the infected person turns positive.

Stage 3:sero-conversion
This is the development of anti-bodies. In this stage a person may have flue like illness, some would not experience illness at this stage.

Stage 4: A symptomatic-HIV Infection
In this stage antibodies give positive results and this period can last for many years

Stage 5: HIV Related Illness
In this stage there are signs and symptoms of AIDS
The body immune system is damaged and the person may develop cancers, TB, pneumonia etc. A person may die any moment at this stage.
The participants were urged to go for VCT to know their HIV status, he also informed them about ARVs.

How HIV is not spread
v Through mosquito bite
v By shaking of hands
v Socialization
v Eating together
v Dry kissing
Q
How comes that mosquitoes don’t spread HIV yet exchange of blood takes place?
A
The virus only survive in human blood, therefore immediately the virus enters mosquitoes body it dies instantly because of unfavorable condition.
Common safer sex strategies
v Abstinence
v Being faithful to one uninfected partner
v Use of condoms

Three major modes of transmission
v Through sexual intercourse 70%
v Through blood transfusion 10%
v Through mother to child 10%

Planning For Real (PFR)
This is a community power tool-kit that is used to involve poor people involvement in development projects.
It aims at Bridging Communication Gaps between the rich and the poor.
With the help of the facilitators, the participants were divided into two groups and gathered around problems, Opportunity and Activities charts respectively

Purpose
To identify groups of people concerned about a particular problems; or interested in following up an opportunity or willing to share in a particular activity.
‘My Idea’ and ‘My Concern’ blank cards were available to add new topics of their own.
Problems identified
v No disable access
v Poor diet
v Police harassment
v Official delays
v Child abuse
v Illiteracy
v No access to credit
v Alcohol abuse
Opportunities Identified
v Recycling scheme -Teenage coffee bar
v Skills survey -Communal garden
v Sports training -Credit union
v Youth works -Brick making
v Business enterprise development -Boda boda bicycles
v Skills exchange -Home based crafts
v Selling of second hand items -Car/bike mechanics
Activities identified
v Police liaison
v Bulk buy club
v Sports training
v Library
v Mechanic course
v Health visits
v Recycling for small enterprise
Skills Survey- Recognizing Talents
With the help of the facilitators, the participants were given skills survey sheets to identify what they are good at.

Purpose
v To help make contacts with people through conversation
v To help share interest
v To join in doing something
v To help promote good relation between people/communities
Advantages
v Every skill is important to everyone
v Local skills are cheaper than hired ones
v All skills are bigger opportunities for business

The following skills were identified after the one to one interview using skills survey sheets.

Skills Keen beginners Experienced
Sports football –Foot ballVolley ball 26 2416
Driving A carA vanA truck 4316 111
Mechanics CarBike 62 217
Gardening 1 23
Telephoning 1 24
Singing 6 14
Local knowledge/contacts 2 24
Computers 18 1
Artwork 7 3
Masonry 13
Body building 11 7
Site clearing 1 21
Baby care 14 7


Look at the above mentioned skills lying untapped in the streets, its really amazing, think what could be done.
Most people like being asked what they are god at and or interested in, use survey forms for one to one contact first with friends and near neighbors, later with others. Whilst you fill in the forms to open up conversations about needs and opportunities in the neighborhood, display a poster on the notice board/community newsletter so that people/employers can look around for skills they want.

‘ If you recognize your talents, use them appropriately, and choose a field that uses those talents, you will rise to the top of your field’ Benny Carson
Day 3
The training was started by a word of prayer from Duncan Omondi at 9.15 am, and with the help of facilitators, the previous days activities were revised.

Drugs and Substance Abuse
This topic was handled by two probation officers from Kisumu probation office.
Some commonly abused drugs
v Cigarettes
v Alcohol
v Cocaine
v Glue
v Petrol
v Bhang
v Khat/mirra
Advantages of using drugs
v Cure diseases
v Relieve pain
v Deters a person from a bad group
v Makes one work hard
Disadvantages
v Increases temper
v Financial implications
v Paranoia
v Lack of personal hygiene
v Destroy personality
v Fantasy
v Impairs ability
v Loss of memory
v Lack of motivation
How to stop using drugs
v Decides to leave
v Look for good associates
v Avoid being idle
What leads people to abuse drugs
v Peer group pressure
v Addiction due to dependency on drugs
v Fear to do certain things
v To escape from problems
v Prolonged illness/pain
How drugs are taken
v Smoking
v Drinking
v Injection
v Chewing
v Sniffing
v Swallowing
Effects of Drug Abuse
Short Terms
v Pleasure
v Enjoyment
v Dizziness
v Lack of proper coordination
v Dream like state
Long Terms
v Death
v Red eyes
v Impotence
v Cancer
v Deafness
v Blindness
v Slurred speech
v Abortion
v Nerve damage
v Difficulty in breathing
v Fine/imprisonment
Challenges
- If you abuse drugs, you will reach appoint when the drugs will start abusing you
- Every one has a potential to change therefore make your life useful by engaging yourself in useful activities.

Youth and Crime
This topic was handled by the Provincial Probation Officer (PPO) Nyanza
Youth s and Crime
Crime is as old as a society. It started a long time ago, during those days girls were taught moral values by their grand mothers while boys by their grand fathers.
She said that Urbanization has increased the rate of crime.

Hostel Probation
This are places where children below 18 years and have committed crimes are taken for rehabilitation. The government pays for their education fee until they complete their education. They are also trained on government trade tests e.g. masonry, electricity, mechanics etc and certificate and tools are given when they leave the institutions.
The institutions includes; Shanzu, Asumbi among others.
The participants were told that life in those institutions are not a bed of rosés and one should not dream of going to those places

Boston Institutions
In these institutions those being rehabilitated are guarded under tight security. Those who have abused drugs for along time or have taken more drugs are taken to Boston institutions for rehabilitation. There are also primary schools in the institutions and caters for children aged between 14-17 years.
A person is released on license and given certificates upon completion of their period.
Why Youths Commit Crime
v Peer pressure
v Poverty
v Lack of employment
v Idleness
v Lack of shelter
v Pleasure
v Drug addiction

What make youths to involve in crime (psychologists view)
v Biological/genetical factors
v Broken homes
v Victims of circumstances
v Poverty
v Personality learning and moral development
Complains
Police officers are arresting and making false charges against us, sometimes they demand for bribes and sometimes we are forced to accept the false allegations for speedy judgment of the case, what can we do?

Response from PPO
This issue we have discussed with relevant authorities concerned, I have noted the question and will raise it during our neat meeting. Don’t accept to give bribes and any time you are arrested please get in touch with our office.

Advice to the Youths
v Remove emotions
v Put determination
v Abstain from sex
v Seek Gods salvation
v Denny your self if you want to succeed
v Decides to Choose a life

Challenge
Learn to appreciate and request for things politely, do not under estimate/over estimate things for you to succeed in life.

Assignment
The PPO gave the participants the following challenging questions
1. Who are you?
2. Where are you coming from?
3. Where are you right now?
4. Where do you want to go from here?

Day 4.
Was started by award of prayer from Paul Muthoka at 9.05 am thereafter review of previous days activities.
Entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneur- is a person involve in business activities
The participants were divided into 3 groups and given the following tasks to do present findings
Group 1
Name Examples of businesses around us? Presented by Julius Omollo
v Shoe selling and repairs – Barber shops
v Fishing – Hawkers
v Farming – shop keeping
v Transportation – Battery charging
v Kiosk – Boda boda
v Dress making – brokers
v Video operation
v Selling plumbing materials
v Driving schools
v Selling of food staffs
v Selling bicycle spears

Group 2.
Why do people start business? Presented by Paul Muthoka
v To generate income
v To improve living standard.
v To create employment.

Group 3.
Factors to consider before starting business? Presented by Duncan Omondi
v Capital
v Availabilities of raw materials
v Competition in the market
v Demand for the commodity
v Nearest to market place
v Infrastructures
v Place

Wait the help of facilitators the participants ere given a task to come with own business proposals.

The proposal was to be written in the following format;
1. Your name
2. Type of business you would like to do
3. The budget.
4. Justification of the budget.
After the assignment, papers were collected and the findings were that the participants were interested in doing the following business;
v Boda boda
v Shoe selling
v Selling of secondhand clothes
v Selling radios
v Selling CDs and VCR
v Selling of charcoal

Their budget ranges between 5000/= – 30,000/= per person
Some did not want to do business and opted to go for courses
Some who have done some courses like driving wanted to get employment
The last day some born again to c accept to be baptized as followed by graduation, which was, attended several gifts from various children home and churches
Programs officer
After exercises was through the P.O addressed the participants
v He told the participants that they have now graduated from childhood to adulthood.
v We are going to assist you to start your own business of your choices and will continue to monitor the progress.
v Micro – finance officer will be put in charge
v We are going to pay for your house rent for three consecutive months thus from May- July and there after you will start paying the house rents yourselves
We are not going to leave you but this are just the ‘beginning of the end’.
Findings
v The boys are capable to change but not easily
v Nearly all street children abuse drugs
v Police harassment to street children is very high in the town
v Most children in the street are orphans
v Most of them are very bright academically
v Majority of them are criminals or have involved in criminal activities
v They are a good people too work with especially when they are sober
Recommendations
v The boys needs a lot of psychiatric counseling and close monitoring
v Need more trainings on business start up and management
v Some are capable of changing their attitudes and therefore should be isolated from hard core ones
v Need for more Spiritual counseling and nourishments
v Those who have confessed to have quit drug abuse should be taken to rehabilitation centers or to join support groups/ Alcoholic Anonymous groups in the town e.g. Pand pieri, Magadi centers etc.
v They should be kept very busy with things like sports, capacity building, and informal/ formal education among others.



LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
1. Duncan Omondi
2. Steven Omondi Atito
3. Chris Ochieng
4. Kennedy Odhiambo
5. Japheth Etuka
6. Richard Omollo
7. Daniel Onyango
8. Samuel Ochieng
9. Erick Otieno
10. Ibrahim Odhiambo
11. John Ndeda
12. Daniel Omondi
13. Peter Ochieng
14. Joseph Otieno
15. George Ochieng
16. Moi Titus
17. Sophine Otieno
18. Dominick Ngong’a
19. George Odhiambo
20. Aggrey Ajega
21. Steven Owino
22. Paul Omondi
23. Richard Omollo
24. Godfrey Madegwa
25. Bernard Omondi - Programs Officer
26. Silas Owiti - Social Worker
27. Rev. Evans - Revival
28. Stephen Onunga - Facilitator
29. Elizabeth Adhiambo - Facilitator
30. Simon Odero - Facilitator
31. Bishop Winnie Owiti - Programs Director

In attendance
1. Bishop Barrack - Nyando Region
2. Bishop James Odero - Mombassa region
3. Bishop Elijah Otieno - Lake region
4. Bishop Charles Okungu - Kisumu region
5. Arch Bishop Silas Owiti - Chairman VOSH Programs
6. Elly Akach - Provincial Children’s Officer
7. Christine Obondi - Provincial Probation Officer
8. Mr. Arang - Probation Officer
9. Mrs. Roselyn - Probation Officer
10. James Odhiambo - Kisumu district hospital

I write to encourage fellow youths to take up leadership posts existing within their localities. This is because youths are still energetic, has alot of untapped talents and have current ideas on problems affecting the society.

The youths should also engage themselves in politics, because politics and development are intertwined.Kenyan youths should start by seeking Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)in their localities. I my self is Seeking the party location chairmanship so that I get the mandate of the peole to lead them in development of our community.

PFR Concept
The concept of PFR is built on bridging the communication gap that inhibits poor peoples involvement in community development.

The theme of PFR is improving knowledge transfer, dissemination, communication and decision making by the development and cultural adaptation of jargon free manipulative materials, leading to the empowerment of marginalized communities, developing joint action with NGOs and through them with government bodies. It is common knowledge that poverty stricken people are often a wasted resource of common sense, local knowledge, practical skills, intuitive understanding of the way things work on the ground; and that their ability and will to contribute to the regeneration process are frustrated by undue dependence on talk, in which professionals flow of word is difficult to understand, and seldom leaves room for people to convey what needs doing, where, when and how they themselves could take part .PFR concept has proved these materials and techniques are acceptable to difference cultures and requiring comparatively little adjustment to suit each culture.
In regard to poverty reduction strategies, the available resources from goverment, charities and international bodies, are in themselves insufficient to deal adequately with social and economic needs .It therefore requires that poverty stricken people could themselves contribute what they understand, help shape, and substantially own the action plan which draw on their resources to supplement and make more effective the resources coming to them from outside.

The materials are introduced in away that reduces the confrontational elements in traditional relationship. They start to share ideas and experiences, first identifying common ground, gradually working out possibilities for compromise, developing working relationships which help to contain conflict. These processes allow for contributions on a level with anyone else, from ethnic, caste, and gender groups that are normally marginalized. This process can also go along way in changing attitudes of the people and making them use value of themselves. This is an eye- opener as it encourages communities to concentrate on what they are able to do, rather than wasting time dwelling on what they cannot do. These strategies also enable the participants to realize the hidden potential within all of them.
PFR is a toolkit that is intended to organize and mobilize communities to enable them initiate development projects among themselves using available resources within the area. It emphasizes on the use of available materials, skills and opportunities that are unexploited in most communities. It also uses bottom up approach making it a very powerful tool for communities.

Why PFR with Communities
v No technical language used, simply turning talk into action.
v Build confidence of the users
v Planning time is minimized
v A powerful tool for fighting poverty, thus empowering the users
v Consolidates community organizations
v An instrument of people ‘s empowerment as it give them power to take charge.
v Less talking and more work as it allow people who are not good with words to deal on level terms with fluent talkers, notably the majorities of youths, disables and women fall in this bracket.
v It recognizes the facts that the problems normally seem bigger but so are the opportunities.
v It helps to overcome problem to grassroots communities.
v Instills on participants the need to take responsibilities to solving problems, and not wait for outsiders, as it is them who understand the way things work on the ground.

Overview of steps involved
v Skills survey: To help identifying the available resources.
v Opportunity / Activity/ Problem identification that will help the users to gradually identify group of people concerned about particular problem or interested of in following up an opportunity / problem.
v Now- Soon- Later sheets to used to set priorities and sort out the work in hands.
v It is curiosity arouser, attracting people, thereby encouraging their participation.

The toolkit has seen the introduction of school feeding programmes, reached to street children in kisumu Kenya, revived 10 collapsed youth groups and teachers are now using the method in planning their lessons.I have also reached several church leaders with PFR toolkit and response has been very good.