Macalder, Nyatike Community Unites for Change through UNESCO Club Initiative
On 29th–30th June 2025, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) convened a powerful two-day community engagement forum in Macalder, Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County. This initiative sought to empower residents to address long-standing socio-economic and environmental challenges through the formation of a community-driven UNESCO Club.
This grassroots effort aligns with UNESCO’s global vision of fostering peace, sustainable development, education, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive local action. Through this initiative, the Macalder community now becomes part of a worldwide network of UNESCO Clubs working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty alleviation, good health, quality education, gender equality, and clean water and sanitation.
UNESCO Clubs are voluntary groups of individuals, spanning all ages, professions, and walks of life, who share a common commitment to UNESCO’s ideals. In a world facing complex challenges and tensions, these clubs aim to build mutual understanding, promote dialogue, and encourage respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law. They provide a safe space for open-minded reflection and collective action, enabling members to engage in diverse initiatives that embody tolerance, non-discrimination, and community solidarity. While each Club reflects the unique needs and identity of its community, they all share a common spirit of inclusivity, trust, and non-discrimination. Members are encouraged to think critically, act with open-mindedness, and build bridges between diverse groups and perspectives. Each Club operates as a collaborative space where decisions are made collectively, with every member’s right and responsibility respected. Ultimately, UNESCO Clubs exist to inspire a shift in attitudes—encouraging communities to work together for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
At the heart of the Macalder engagement was a listening session where the community voiced their daily struggles, ranging from youth unemployment and healthcare challenges to the environmental degradation caused by artisanal gold mining. KNATCOM responded with intent, emphasizing the transformative potential of a localized UNESCO Club model tailored to Nyatike’s unique context.
The event brought together a cross-generational audience—from elderly community leaders aged over 75 to young mothers with infants—each eager to contribute to lasting change. Their stories, insights, and energy reflected a deep-rooted desire for unity, empowerment, and self-determination. Guided by local professionals and facilitators, participants co-created thematic UNESCO Clubs focusing on critical areas such as education, health, and the environment. An umbrella UNESCO Club was also established, complete with an inclusive leadership team that bridges generational gaps by incorporating both youth and elders, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Macalder UNESCO Club: Beacon of community resilience
The newly formed Macalder UNESCO Club now stands as a beacon of community resilience, poised to drive sustainable development, foster knowledge exchange, and champion inclusive participation in local governance and problem-solving. This bold step taken by the people of Nyatike is a testament to the power of collective action. It reaffirms a simple but profound truth: when communities unite around shared values and common goals, real transformation is not just possible, it is inevitable.
