Kenya: A woman in the North rift region has become the first Kenyan to bag the prestigious Mietek Pemper Award for her continued efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation.
Selline Korir received the award on Wednesday from Augsburg University in Germany after being selected among others from across the world. She was recognized for her commitment in empowering locals in the region on the need to live harmoniously. Korir who is currently the director of Kenya Tuna Uwezo Program is the fourth beneficiary to win the award given to individuals or institutions that have made major contributions towards reconciling different people. Speaking earlier to the Standard before she left for Germany, Korir expressed her gratitude to the Augsburg University for recognizing her achievements in bringing warring communities together.
Selline Korir received the award on Wednesday from Augsburg University in Germany after being selected among others from across the world. She was recognized for her commitment in empowering locals in the region on the need to live harmoniously. Korir who is currently the director of Kenya Tuna Uwezo Program is the fourth beneficiary to win the award given to individuals or institutions that have made major contributions towards reconciling different people. Speaking earlier to the Standard before she left for Germany, Korir expressed her gratitude to the Augsburg University for recognizing her achievements in bringing warring communities together.
“The award should be an indicator to the public that sacrifice is never free because through good work, reward will be achieved,” she stated. She maintained that people should not relent in provision of service because there is no one to appreciate them but rather play a role in ensuring that the society is habitable to all. In a letter addressed to her by the President of Augsburg University, the institution noted that her outstanding humanitarian commitment made her the ideal candidate for the award. “We are particularly impressed with the large number of projects you initiated to promote reconciliation and conflict mitigation,” “Your distinct and straightforward communication style is indicative of your high level of credibility and your personal integrity,” read part of the recognition letter. Reverend Maritim Rirei of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) heaped praise on Korir for her great achievements she has done to the society.
In reference to 2007/08 post-election violence, he noted that despite her tight schedule, she marshaled two warring communities to live harmoniously in the North Rift. “Besides providing solutions to the violence, she has been able to financially and socially provided support many girls from getting into early marriages, we are proud of her achievement.
Korir becomes the first Kenyan and the fourth to receive the award instituted 29 years ago in Germany to recognize efforts showcased by individuals to the society. The first recipient was former United Nations chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte in 2007, Richard Holbrooke, United States special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2009 and in 2012 the award went to Khaled Abu Awwad and Nir Oren the managers of Parents Circle Families Forum in Israel and Palestine.
-standardmedia.co.ke
