Help 450 Rwandan Prisoners to Become Peacebuilders

on March 26, 2024, a transformative dialogue session was conducted between twenty participants, comprising 12 women and 8 men, who were genocide survivors and perpetrators in the Northern Province of Rwanda, District of Musanze, Muhoza Sector. The session, facilitated by two certified Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) in transformation mediation, aimed to foster healing, reconciliation, and mutual understanding.

Objectives:

1. To provide basic training in transformation mediation techniques.

2. To cultivate active listening skills among participants.

3. To facilitate a constructive dialogue between survivors and perpetrators.

Session Overview:

The session began with introductions and establishing ground rules to ensure a safe and respectful environment. participants engaged in icebreakers and trust-building exercises to create a sense of camaraderie and openness.

The ToTs then led discussions on transformation mediation principles, emphasizing the importance of empathy, non-judgment, and collaborative problem-solving. practical exercises were conducted to demonstrate effective communication and conflict-resolution techniques.

During the dialogue segment, participants shared personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives related to the genocide against Tutsi in 1994. Active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing and reflecting feelings, were encouraged to enhance understanding and empathy.

Outcomes:

1. Empowered Participants:

Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, feeling empowered with new mediation and listening skills.

2. Positive Feedback:

Feedback from both survivors and perpetrators was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the transformative impact of the dialogue.

3. Desire for Outreach:

Participants suggested extending the program to reach more individuals and communities affected by the genocide.

4. Commitment to Continued Engagement:

Many participants expressed a desire for future sessions and extended dialogue days to delve deeper into reconciliation and healing processes.

Conclusion:

The dialogue session on March 26, 2024, exemplified the potential for transformative mediation and active listening to foster understanding and healing between individuals from diverse backgrounds. The participants' enthusiasm, positive feedback, and commitment to further engagement underscored the effectiveness and importance of such initiatives in post-conflict settings.