Safari Talks about Non Formal Education and Self

Safari (pictured left), whose formal name is James G. Kinyua, has been there. He narrates of his life as a truck driver nostalgically. And you know, the typical tuck driver in this side of the world is not considered a model. The notion of a truck driver is that of a serial seducer with a string of illicit relationships. In this era of HIV and AIDS, this isn’t what any parent would wish for a son.

Safari confesses having been addicted to alcohol to a point of being alcoholic. Yet, though Safari had been there and done that he has taken a complete about turn.

Right now he is the founder and managing consultant of Africomm Development Center (ADEC). If you have never heard of the outfit, relax, there is always a first time for everything.

When Safari realized that there was more to his life, he mobilized resources and went back to school. He graduated with Bachelors in Arts (Community Development). He has taught and consulted since his graduation.

Today, he runs ADEC. The consultancy that has brought together a host of professionals who offer varied innovative services.

But perhaps the most exciting service at this particular time is the Non Formal education based Peer Education and Empowerment Program (PEEP)

This is an outreach service that avails tailored education programs to audiences, primarily in rural areas. The aim is to help bridge the information divide that exists between developed areas and rural areas as far as provision and availability of functional and relevant information is concerned.

Communities in various parts of the country have been known, for instance, to fight bloody wars because some one misinterpreted a constitution clause to them; or because they have no proper avenues for dialogue.

ADEC diagnosis is on case by case. Programs are made to suit the specific audience in specific time and space.

Although this is not an entirely new idea, the way in which ADEC has conceptualized and modeled it is, certainly, not conventional.

The program is perceived as a complement to the already existing formal and informal systems.

Since the participants are members of existing formal structures, the introduction of the non formal to them helps them to loosen up and relax. It helps break ice that is common in most formal structures.

This, not only empowers, but it also releases any anxieties among colleagues. It, thus, helps them to enjoy healthier, more productive interactions at school, work or community settings.

The programs are tailor made and facilitated by a group of professionals in education, communication, community health & development as well as volunteers in other relevant professions.

ADEC also liaises with partner organizations and communities to make the programs affordable.

The program is available to schools, county assemblies, parliament, senate, community organizations as well as faith based organizations.

So, as you can see, Safari has, after all, gone a full circle. This time, unlike when he was a truck driver, he can be said to be true model.