David Zarembka
| David Zarembka | |
|---|---|
 Davidzerembka.png David Zarembka in Kenya | |
| Born | 1943-05-06 Clayton, Missouri, United States |
| 💀Died | 2021-04-01 Eldoret, Kenya2021-04-01 |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🏫 Education | Harvard College (BA), University of Pittsburgh (MA) |
| 💼 Occupation | Peace activist, writer |
| Known for | African Great Lakes Initiative |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Rodah Wayua Malinda (divorced), Gladys Kamonya (1999–2021) |
| 👶 Children | 2 |
David Zarembka (May 6, 1943 – April 1, 2021) was an American peacebuilder and writer who worked extensively in East and Central Africa. He coordinated the African Great Lakes Initiative (AGLI), a Quaker peace program focused on community-based reconciliation, trauma recovery, and nonviolence training.
Education and early work
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Zarembka was born in Missouri and graduated from Harvard College in 1966 with a degree in African History. He later earned a master's degree in International and Development Education from the University of Pittsburgh.[1]
Between 1966 and 1968, he served with the United States Peace Corps in Tanzania and Kenya.[1]
African Great Lakes Initiative
In 1998, Zarembka began coordinating the African Great Lakes Initiative (AGLI), part of the Friends Peace Teams network. AGLI supported grassroots peacebuilding across Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. The initiative introduced training in the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and the Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities (HROC) program.[2]
His work emphasized locally led approaches to trauma healing and post-conflict recovery. He remained with AGLI until 2016.[3]
Publications
Zarembka wrote frequently for Quaker publications and peace-focused networks. In 2011, he published a memoir titled A Peace of Africa: Reflections on Life in the Great Lakes Region.[4]
Personal life
Zarembka married Rodah Wayua Malinda in 1969. They had two children. In 1999, he married Gladys Kamonya, a Kenyan Quaker. The couple lived in Lumakanda, Kenya, from 2007 until their deaths in 2021.[5]
Death
Gladys Kamonya died in March 2021. Zarembka died on April 1, 2021, one week later, in Eldoret, Kenya. They were buried at their home in Lumakanda.[3]
Legacy
Zarembka was recognized by peace organizations for his long-term dedication to community reconciliation. Friends United Meeting described his work as a model of practical, cross-cultural peacebuilding.[3]
Selected works
- A Peace of Africa: Reflections on Life in the Great Lakes Region. Madera Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0979100314[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "David Zarembka Memorial". Keeper Memorials. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ↑ "Author: David Zarembka". AFSC. 14 May 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "David Zarembka and Gladys Kamonya". Friends United Meeting. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Zarembka, David (2011). A Peace of Africa. Madera Press. ISBN 978-0979100314. Search this book on
- ↑ "Life at Lumakanda Friends Church". Friends Journal. October 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
External links
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