Never Again Rwanda (NAR) has consistently placed its faith in the potential of young individuals. Recognizing their dynamism, innovation, and fervor as formidable catalysts for transformation and peacebuilding, the organization has placed them at the forefront of the mission to mend communities, restore trust, and revitalize the societal framework.
NAR, the Ministry of National Unity & Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and the Ministry of Youth (MINIYOUTH) believe that the active participation of young people in the quest for, reconciliation, social cohesion, and national unity is a prerequisite for sustainable peace and development in the country. To celebrate the 2023 International Day of Peace we will jointly hold a Youth Parliamentary Dialogue on September 21st, 2023. It will be held at the Parliament of Rwanda under the theme: ‘Strengthening Unity and Resilience for Sustainable Peace and Development’ and will provide a crucial platform for youth to delve into the obstacles impeding peace and to underscore their pivotal role in fostering unity within their respective communities. The event will be attended by 600 participants including youth representatives from various districts across Rwanda, government institutions, Members of Parliament, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), researchers, academics, and various media houses.
The objectives are:
- To emphasize the interdependence between peacebuilding efforts and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- To promote peace education and public awareness on issues related to peacebuilding and development goals;
- To empower youth with the knowledge and tools to address challenges hindering peace, while inspiring them to take an active role in fostering unity within their communities;
- To provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue among youth participants, enabling them to share insights, perspectives, and potential solutions related to achieving sustainable peace and unity; and
- To explore strategies to facilitate active citizen participation in reconciliation, social cohesion, and national unity efforts for sustainable peace and development within Rwanda.
The theme of strengthening unity and resilience has underpinned all of Rwanda’s peacebuilding efforts. After the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced significant challenges in national unity and reconciliation. These included deep-seated ethnic biases, identity crises, persistent genocide-related beliefs, and denial, along with enduring psychological and social trauma. There was also a prevailing sense of despair, distrust, isolation, and stigma. In response to these formidable obstacles, it was imperative to promote Rwandan identity, combat divisionism and discrimination, and prioritize the healing process. Never Again Rwanda took decisive action to prevent any recurrence of such a tragedy by seamlessly integrating diverse Peace Education tools into a range of peacebuilding initiatives that would result in sustainable peace.
One such initiative is our ‘Spaces for Peace’ which have become pivotal forums for reconciliation and healing in eight districts across Rwanda. Each group comprises of 30 members from diverse backgrounds. Together, they champion respect, active listening, empathy, and a shared optimism for the future. Through this collective journey, they offer support in overcoming personal traumas, fostering reconciliation, and strengthening social cohesion. The selection of members is a community-driven process, involving citizens and local leaders. To ensure the effectiveness of these spaces, facilitators undergo extensive training and continuous mentorship from Never Again Rwanda. They delve deep into Rwanda’s history and its enduring impact on citizens, addressing topics like trauma, mental health, and group facilitation. This equips them with the skills to conduct successful monthly dialogues within their groups. These ‘Spaces for Peace’ serve as formidable platforms for healing, mutual understanding, and the advancement of a more unified Rwanda.
29 years after the genocide, national unity still remains a crucial priority. According to the 2020 Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer, there is still work to be done, with 8.6% of Rwandans holding onto divisive ideologies, 1.8% perpetuating ethnic stereotypes, and a significant 26.9% grappling with unhealed wounds nationwide. Never Again Rwanda (NAR) has harnessed the power of ‘Spaces for Peace’ to catalyze unity, particularly among the youth. These spaces are transformative platforms that reshape lives, empowering members for the better. They stand as beacons of hope, trust, and unity for citizens from diverse backgrounds, providing a steadfast foundation for a shared, peaceful future in targeted intervention areas. This underscores the ongoing relevance and urgency of fostering national unity in Rwanda.
The engagement of young individuals in NAR’s initiatives serves as a testament to their substantial potential in driving peace within their communities. They must possess the ability to recognize peace-related challenges, develop non-violent solutions through open communication, and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to cultivate a culture of peace. Moreover, they are tasked with educating their peers and community members on their pivotal role in establishing enduring peace. This includes pioneering initiatives that foster inclusivity, a deep respect for diversity, and the constructive management of conflicts, all in pursuit of a more equitable and harmonious society.
TESTIMONY
T.A.* from Gihango sector in Rutsiro district has had a transformative journey to healing, which serves as a powerful testament to the potential for a young person from a family associated with genocide perpetrators to rediscover hope, self-worth, and a sense of belonging. He attributes his transformation to his involvement in the ‘Spaces for Peace’. Through this initiative, he managed to shed the burden of guilt and shame stemming from his parents’ involvement in the genocide. T.A. expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that the ‘Space for Peace’ provided a secure environment for him to voice his pain as someone born to a genocidaire. He was profoundly moved by the genuine support he received, characterized by active listening, absence of judgment, and compassionate companionship throughout his healing process. This experience has not only liberated him from the weight of his parents’ actions but has also empowered him to extend a helping hand to others in the same situation.
*(initials changed for ethical purposes)