CALL TO ACTION

"We know that unity can be and has been achieved among men of the most disparate origins, that differences of race, of religion, of culture, of tradition, are no insurmountable obstacles to the coming together of peoples." Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Greetings!

SHIRIKI, is a Kiswahili word which variously translates as '' to take part, participate, join in, share in, act in common, involve oneself”... you get the drift. It is a call to action, for ones to work in concert, so as to restore this earth and it's inhabitants to their original glory and majesty. Participation in what we and other like-minded people in the four corners of the globe are doing, we feel, is not a casual choice, but actually a natural obligation.

May I take this moment to give a brief breakdown of the situation on the ground so that one can discern ways in which to be a an active participant.

As you have gathered from the various updates, H.I.M Negus Shiriki Organization consists of a LIVICATED team of LIFE volunteers from all over the world, with a mission to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, nourish the sick, protect the infants and care for the aged . We are strictly non-religious, non -affiliated and non-economic mercenaries.

Volunteer Kristie, from Canada

We invite ones of the same heart, regardless of race, religion, gender or nationality to join hands with us in the tasks we have taken on. We mostly target to work with youth, to involve them in development issues. No `personal’ benefit is derived from what we do, yet, unbounded satisfaction comes from the knowledge that we are fulfilling our ultimate purpose. However, our works are progressive in all manner to the volunteers (members) and the public at large.

We have embraced work on different fronts.

With Agriculture, the main issues are re-establishing natural living, world food security, restoring land from the current chemically and environmentally degraded state, economic and social empowerment. Currently we have some three acres of land, on which we are working as a demonstration farm for natural agriculture. We have community outreach programs and are well recognized by the government administration and educational institutions. We also work closely with organizations which espouse the same values, such as Biovision, as well as individuals.

Sarah from Biovision helps build a compost heap

It is our intention to establish a full agricultural institution whereby youth, various farmers and people from all works of life can come and share knowledge. It will teach natural farming and living skills, arts, have farm based industries, cultural center, community radio and studios and a community hall. We are thus preparing volunteers through experience and education. We hope to continue sending more youth to college, so that they can qualify fornally as community educators. Currently we are making moves towards value addition and simple industry with the farm products, with an eye to spreading this knowledge amongst the communities we work with. The project will need bigger land when time is due.

We are open to receive volunteers at the farm.

Raksha and Daniella from the UK and Germany respectively

We have Education programs with different institutions and communities. Our efforts to reach out through media programs, school visits, seminars, farmer’s field days and other means continue to be effective and well received. Our latest education project is with the Muranga Juvenile home, where we will be sharing life, organic farming and art skillls with youth who are undergoing reahabilitation for delinquent behaviour. We are always looking to gather more teaching materials and aids, books, publications, presentation machinery such as projectors, laptops and so on.

More teachings

With Arts, we continue to produce artifacts of original and creative nature. The arts help instill patience among the youth, tap into natural talents, and provide an avenue for economic sustenance for those who are thus endowed. We share this knowledge through various forums and always keep an open door policy to those willing to learn. We seek more markets and exposure for these arts, as well as quality improvement suggestions.

A Sunday art class.

Musically, we continue to use this ancient medium as a powerful tool for community information sharing. It is our mandate to nurture talent and provide opportunities for exposure. One of the ways is organizing local and international events to bring people together. It behooves us to continue gathering more music and sound equipment to be effective. It is our on-going intention to enhance collaboration with like-minded artists and experts, and are happy to host those who wish to work in Africa.

Through Trade we get effective opportunities to interact with many people locally and across borders, and to exchange thoughts on real and tangible steps to lasting development. We get revenue to run the projects and set an example to the youth. We trade arts, farm products and products from our media and communication department. W e hope to carry on learning about the available trade opportunities so as to open them up for the work of talented youth, women and other productive community members.

The Media and Communications department is our link with the world at large. We have qualified volunteers producing documentaries, publications, connecting with mainstream media, and working the internet. Experts in this field are called upon to link up, so that we can enhance the available communication means. Well wishers are requested to donate any equipment which may be of help in this field.

Environment preservation and restoration is key to our work. In this field we have worked closely with the UNEP and other relevant organizations. Our environment endeavors involve public activities such as tree planting, cleanup exercises, community education forums, themed music concerts, use of natural products, organic farming and sharing of nutritional information.

Volunteers take a breather during a community clean-up exercise

Since the work targets all aspect of LIFE, there is no limit to the ways in which one can participate and contribute. It is actually our understanding that these are tasks and duties which befall humanity and thus coming together for this will not only create a better world but also provide a warm atmosphere for spiritual growth.

There are four levels of membership; individual, group, corporate and life. Please contact us on our e-mail address (shirikiorg@gmail.com), to learn about how you can join in as member, or to suggest ways in which you feel you can participate. You can also leave a message on our facebook page (Shiriki Kenya).

Perfect Love always.