LuQuLuQu’s Step for Safety Returns to Nairobi
“Kenyans have responded to the LuQuLuQu campaign’s call for action energetically.”
Regional Director, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami and UNHCR Representative, Ms Fathiaa Abdalla on a 10km walk in solidarity with families forced to flee. © UNHCR/Caroline Opile
Over two thousand people congregated together for LuQuLuQu’s second annual Step for Safety walk this past Sunday, 8 September 2019.
The walk is an awareness building and fundraising initiative to support families forced to flee their homes because of conflict, violence or persecution across Africa. It first launched in Nairobi in 2018 and had since been held across the continent in Somalia, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.
Crowds that gathered for the #StepforSafety walk in Nairobi © UNHCR/Charity Nzomo
Step for Safety is an initiative of the LuQuLuQu campaign. LuQuLuQu seeks to challenge negative public perceptions about refugees and instead highlight the drive and resilience of people forced to flee.
“Kenya hosts more than 475,000 refugees with close to 80 per cent of them being women and children. Having met some of the people behind these numbers, I am continuously impressed and inspired by their talent, ambition and potential,” said Fathiaa Abdalla, UNHCR Representative in Kenya.
Having met some of the people behind these numbers, I am continuously impressed and inspired by their talent, ambition and potential,”
“Kenyans have responded to the LuQuLuQu campaign’s call for action energetically. This second Step for Safety walk is a wonderful way in which we as a community can honour the strength and perseverance of people that, even though were forced to flee and leave everything behind, are determined to build a better life,” she added.
Ms. Fathiaa Abdalla, received a one million KES cheque from EcoBank, one of the sponsors of LuQuLuQu initiative © UNHCR/Caroline Opile
UNHCR staff, Beth takes part in a 5km walk with her children and friends © UNHCR/Caroline Opile
I am LuQuLuQu
This year, corporate partners including Healthy U EcoBank, TechnoBrain, Standard Group, Equity Bank, Sarit Centre, Capital FM, and Bibilia Husema, came out in large numbers to support the initiative.
Also attending the Step for Safety walk were LuQuLuQu Advocates and Supporters including UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador, Mercy Masika, who performed at the post-walk concert. “I am proud to be part of LuQuLuQu family. In walking together, we are demonstrating a united Africa for our forcibly displaced brothers and sisters across the continent.
UNHCR National Goodwill Ambassador, Mercy Masika belts out one of her songs at the #StepforSafety annual event. © UNHCR/Caroline Opile
Elani, one of the music groups in Kenya entertain at the #StepforSafety event in Nairobi. © UNHCR/Caroline Opile
Participants dance as they are entertained by Kenyan artists that included UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Mercy Masika © UNHCR/Caroline Opile
UNHCR Kenya Representative Fathiaa Abdalla flags off the second edition of #StepforSafety walk in Nairobi. ©UNHCR/Charity Nzomo
Participants at the walk are sensitized on the reception and assistance for refugees when they enter a foreign country. © UNHCR/Caroline Opile
By taking this step for safety, we are invoking the ubuntu philosophy that is at the heart of LuQuLuQu – taking utmost care of each other,” commented Masika.
The next Step for Safety walk is planned for Accra, Ghana on 28 September. Visit: luquluqu.org/stepforsafety
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