About 17 years ago, the three young students who started a platform that would spark the much needed dialogue spaces at their university, would never have thought about such a high level global recognition for their idea – turned organization – Never Again Rwanda.
On 8th October, 2019 in Washington DC, USA, Never Again Rwanda, represented by the Executive Director – Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa, Deputy Executive Director – Eric Mahoro and the Head of Information and Communication – Immy Mulekatete, witnessed one of the biggest highlights of the organization’s journey. Recognised for her outstanding social impact, Never Again Rwanda was awarded with the 2019 prestigious Roger Kaufman Award by the International Society for Performance Improvement.
The work of Never Again Rwanda complements the favorable policies by the Government of Rwanda. Such policies include; the conducive environment for Civil Society Organizations to thrive and the political commitment to unity and reconciliation through varied strategies as well as the decentralization policy which favors citizen participation and public accountability. Different Government agencies have offered great support to Never Again Rwanda by participating in the researches conducted and engaging the organization and other civil society entities in public policy processes.
Made up by an autonomous committee with members from Mexico, USA, Middle East, Argentina, Europe and Africa, three categories were awarded, Never Again Rwanda as a Civil Society Organization, Arizona Sonora Mega Region as a social startups eco system and the prosperity paradox book.
Hinged on the programs of peace building, governance and democracy, research and advocacy and youth engagement. Never Again Rwanda was recognized for contributing to the unity and reconciliation process, working towards trauma healing, expanding peace building interventions in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region, deliberately engaging the young people and enhancing participatory governance. Looking at the commonality of the questions raised during the award ceremony, there is huge need to raise awareness on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis and its consequences so that the world may draw lessons from that and make Never Again a reality. It also shows that the story of hope, which is projected through the country’s unique approach to ensure healing and reconciliation.
Never Again Rwanda hopes to continue working with varied partners to ensure intergenerational dialogue happens, integrate livelihood into the process of healing, continue building a network of global peace ambassadors, continue equipping youth with the skills to think critically and gain necessarily leadership skills, work tirelessly for the growth if their country and support the country’s agenda of “Never Again” by championing for unity, and reconciliation for sustainable peace.
We are deeply grateful to all the partners that have contributed to Never Again Rwanda’s journey. The agencies that have funded our cause include; Global fund for Children, Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), USAID Rwanda, Interpeace, European Union delegation in Rwanda, Sweden in Rwanda, Swiss development Cooperation, GIZ Rwanda, among so many reconciliation and peace actors in Rwanda.
This award is a result of the collaborative efforts and tireless support of the Government of Rwanda, NAR staff and friends, our esteemed beneficiaries as well as the entire Rwandan community.