This is a process that enables individuals and communities to heal from psychological wounds that resulted/result from past/present experiences with the aim of restoring broken relationships, returning hope and increasing empathy, aspects that are pivotal for peaceful coexistence among communities. The group component brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds as well as individuals with similar wounds to share their wounding experiences in order for them to begin a healing journey.
NAR opted to use this approach since it was found to be the most appropriate strategy for healing in the Rwandan context, due to the fact that the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi left widespread wounds among the Rwandan population. Through this approach, NAR formed spaces of peace comprised of 30 members, drawn from one community. The group and community approaches enabled NAR to reach out to a greater number of participants who later on build relationships and continue to come together through various acts of solidarity even after healing spaces have phased out.
This approach has had a multiplier effect, not only among those who were part of the spaces; rather also impacted their families and surrounding community. Through this program, participants were also able to gain a sense of belonging (most especially for those who were isolated by their families or lost their families), empathy, confidence, understanding that wounds are cross-cutting across the entire Rwandan population and most importantly hope for the future.
The implementation of this societal healing intervention specifically psychosocial support group approach served as a means to raise awareness of the need to establish and strengthen existing healing initiatives.