Monday, June 20 marks International Refugee Day, and for Kenya it is a day of great significance. With the camps of Kakuma, on the border with South Sudan, and Dadaab, attached to Somalia, the African country represents the largest refugee hub on the continent.
Among the realities that most and best spend themselves to give future, dignity and assistance to those who and guests of the two immense camps that together count more than 420,000 souls, is JRS Kenya (Jesuit Refugee Services), which on Monday in Nairobi is organizing a happening to once again turn the spotlight on these human beings and their right to a normal life.
The event, to be held at the JRS Compound at 330 Gitanga Road (opposite Maria Immaculate Hospital) starting at 9:30 a.m., will begin with Mass officiated by Monsignor Virgilio Pante, the Italian bishop of Maralal, and will include an artistic performance by some refugees, a photo exhibition and the "mikono" market, a livelihood project launched by JRS to help refugees become self-sufficient and promote sustainable consumption. Mikono, which means "hands" in Swahili, provides space and resources for refugees to produce, display and sell unique handicrafts. The project contributes to the livelihoods of more than 350 people. From peanut butter to wood carvings and patchwork, every handmade product made by refugees has a story behind it. The story of people who were forced to flee their country and had to rebuild their lives far from home.
JRS Kenya also currently operates two temporary shelter homes for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and children with protection needs, offering comprehensive case management, psychosocial support and vocational training, and five special needs shelters, where people can access psychosocial services and their parents/caregivers can receive counseling and training. Services that help achieve stability and develop the skills needed to move to a more sustainable situation.
Admission to Nairobi's International Refugee Day is free.