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Jack’s StoryThe ACPM is a community-based museum that I initiated and founded. I was motivated byan article in one of the local newspapers in July 2000. The article was about a UNESCOreport on endangered languages, and the Abasuba language was topping the list. I realisedthat my community, the Government and the private sector needed to do something inorder to preserve this dying, unique language. I also realised that there was a need to comeup with a place where the material culture of the community could be kept, documented,exhibited and stored for future generations.After having the idea, I found out about the Mennonite Central Committee of Kenya(MCCK), a Canadian organisation that promotes the use of African peace traditions. Oneof its programmes, the Community Peace Museum Programme (CPMP), has as its mainobjective to encourage local communities in Kenya to use their traditional ways of solvingconflict rather than the modern ways that often seem not to work. This programme wasbeing spearheaded by Dr Sultan Somjee, formerly of the National Museums of Kenya.My small museum was humbled to receive the support of about US$600 through thisprogramme. Back on Mfangano Island, I started mobilising the community through thehelp of the area Chief, Mr. Patrick Lumumba, and clan elders. I visited all parts of SubaDistrict to record an accurate history of the Abasuba people. Through the help of the localadministration, I registered the museum as a self-help group with a membership of eightelders. At the same time, my father decided to give me the land at Ramba Village that hehad put aside for me to settle my family when the time came.15Jack Obonyo (left) withcommunity members duringthe commissioning of thepier at Wakula Beach