In a world that often feels divided, finding a place that genuinely celebrates unity and equality in diversity can be life changing. For me, that place is Harmony Institute. Over the summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Harmony Institute, which included participating in the Tangaza Annual Summer School on Islam and Christianity in Dialogue in Africa. (TASSICDA) and the Week of Unity 2024, themed “Unity in God and Unity of God.” This experience was transformative, and I want to share why I believe Harmony Institute is the place to be for anyone seeking to foster peace, understanding and mutual acceptance.
From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by friendly staff who made me feel at home. Their warmth and genuine concern for every intern set the tone for the weeks ahead. The nurturing environment at Harmony Institute, characterized by love, care and concern from all, created a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The staff were not only welcoming to us interns but also extended their hospitality to our colleagues from the summer school when they visited the organization. The food at Harmony institute is top notch, offering a delightful array of dishes that cater to all tastes and dietary needs.
The Summer School and Week of Unity 2024 were the highlights of my internship. Although TASSICDA took place away from the organization, it was a vibrant blend of sessions focusing on crucial topics like interfaith dialogue, community building, religious extremism and intercultural communication. The Week of Unity celebrated diversity and togetherness, filled with activities that fostered dialogue, understanding and mutual acceptance. Harmony Institute also engages in various enriching activities like discussion forums, outreach programs, community engagement, luncheons, scriptural reasoning, where I had the opportunity to contribute to the May 2024 scriptural reasoning on Ascension and attending the Nairobi International Cultural festival. Several seminars and conferences also provide additional learning opportunities.
Meeting individuals from diverse backgrounds, participating in cultural exchanges and engaging in these meaningful activities allowed us; my colleague and I to appreciate our differences while discovering the common ties that bind us together. The emphasis on reducing social and economic disparities and promoting peace building equipped me with practical tools to contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful world. Additionally, I was awarded two Interfaith Dialogue certificates from the summer school and week of unity, further recognizing our shared efforts towards unity.
If you’re looking for a place that fosters understanding, mutual acceptance and a genuine celebration of diversity, Harmony Institute is the place to be. The experiences and friendships I gained here will stay with me forever, deepening my commitment to promoting unity and equality in diversity. Join the journey towards a more peaceful and united world and explore the opportunities at Harmony Institute. Whether it’s participating in their programs, interning or supporting their mission, you’ll find a community that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
LET’S COME TOGETHER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Diana Juan Leju
Intern
Harmony Institute
