peacebuilding institute report summer 2015 · nar country director prof. naasson munyandamutsa gave...

SUMMER 2015 PEACE-BUILDING INSTITUTE

REPORT What can Rwanda teach the World?

Peacebuilding Institute Report Summer 2015

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Table of Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

2015 Participants ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Theme One: Genocide History and Prevention ........................................................................................ 6

Theme Two: Transitional Justice ............................................................................................................... 10

Theme Three: Good Governance, Development, and Reconciliation .............................................. 12

Testimonials .................................................................................................................................................... 17

Results .............................................................................................................................................................. 19

Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

Appendix: Participant and Facilitator Biographies .................................................................................. 21

http://www.google.rw/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DoxAIeMpEw4c&ei=87RtVcHnKaqp7Aaq0YKABw&bvm=bv.94455598,d.ZGU&psig=AFQjCNHBKjKSpBcuHENUpx3HTqaFh45yzg&ust=1433339490738695


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Introduction

Twice a year, Never Again Rwanda (NAR) puts out a call to university students and recent graduates to attend its semi-annual Peace-Building Institute (PBI). The selection process is highly competitive in order to identify a set of promising participants to join the intensive two-week Institute in Rwanda. The participants cover three topics: genocide history & prevention, transitional justice, and good governance, development & reconciliation.

The students and recent grads examine the question: “What can Rwanda teach the world?” through group discussions and debate, critical analysis, film screenings, memorial site visits, lectures from experts, field trips to government agencies, as well as through meeting and interacting with genocide survivors and perpetrators who have reconciled.

The Peace-Building Institute aims to build a global network of responsible leaders who are equipped to identify the signs of conflict–genocide in particular–and who have the ability and drive to take action to prevent it. To date, the Peace-Building Institute has trained around 150 youth from around the world, most of whom have become leaders who promote peace in their communities, countries and globally.

University students can earn up to six credit hours towards their degree, transferable from Weber State University. NAR also offers participants the opportunity to intern with a local nonprofit organization for 1-2 months after the PBI. Youth of all nationalities and academic backgrounds are welcome to apply.

In the summer of 2015, NAR hosted the Peace-Building Institute from May 18th-May 30th. There were a total of 14 participants comprised of six American, one Canadian, one Burundian, one Kenyan, and five Rwandan students. These PBI graduates are encouraged to take the knowledge they acquire in Rwanda and share it with their own communities to help spread a culture of “Never Again” throughout the world.

NAR co-founder and board chair Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza welcomed participants to the Summer 2015 PBI. He framed the Institute as an open platform where students learn as well as have fun together. He explained why “never again” is such an important principal in global peacebuilding, and how Never Again Rwanda approaches healing and reconciliation. In the next two weeks, participants studied the three themes in a variety of ways.



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2015 Participants

Shannon Cavanaugh Home: Holden, Massachusetts, USA, Age: 19

School: Keene State College Areas of study: Psychology,

Holocaust/Genocide Studies

Jason DiLena Home: Bountiful, Utah, USA, Age: 30 School: Weber State University Area of study: Political Science

Madeleine Farnsworth

Home: Herriman, Utah, USA Age: 18 School: Weber State University

Area of study: Pre-Medicine

Jessie Foster Home: Washington, DC, USA, Age: 19 School: University of Virginia Area of study: Global Development Studies

Jessica Gatoni

Home: Toronto, Canada, Age: 24 School: Weber State University Area of study: Political Science

Julie Ikeda Home: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, Age: 23 School: Weber State University Area of study: Political Science, Business

Henry Mwumvaneza Home: Kigali, Rwanda, Age: 31

School: Kigali Independent University Area of Study: International Relations



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Didace Niyibizi Home: Kigali, Rwanda, Age: 23 School: University of Rwanda Areas of study: Arts & Social Science

Alice Nyangoma

Home: Kalangazi, Rwanda, Age: 19 School: Gahini Secondary School

Areas of study: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Anais Nyirimahogazi Home: Bujumbura, Burundi, Age: 24 School: University of Rwanda Area of study: Journalism and Communication

Joshua Redhair

Home: Roy, Utah, USA, Age: 24 School: Weber State University Area of study: Political Science

Leah Thanji Home: Nyeri, Kenya, Age: 25 School: Mount Kenya University Area of study: Law

Emmanuel Twagirimana Home: Nyanza, Rwanda, Age: 24

School: University of Rwanda Area of study: Journalism and Communication

Danae Umuhoza Home: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Age: 19 School: Saint Mary’s University Area of study: General Science



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Theme One: Genocide History and Prevention

The PBI begins with providing participants a background in the history and theories of genocide, with an emphasis on the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. Through this understanding of the causes and effects of genocide, participants also explore methods of genocide prevention. Activities include touring the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, visiting the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, learning the ten stages of genocide and prevention methods for each, and discussing future application of prevention strategies.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS FACILITATOR Day 1: Monday, May 18th Topic: Genocide: History and Prevention

Registration NAR team Welcome session Rwandan participants Introductory remarks Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza Discussion: Cross-Cultural understanding, Albatross experiment Fiona Buchanan Site visit: Tour of Gisozi Memorial site Jean Baptiste Day 2: Tuesday, May 19th Topic: Genocide: History and Prevention

Recap and icebreakers Home groups Reflection on Gisozi visit (peace circle) Odeth Kantengwa Open group discussion “What can you do to prevent genocide?” Odeth Kantengwa Clarification of the stages of Genocide Odeth Kantengwa

Screening documentary Ghosts of Rwanda and discussions on the film clip Odeth Kantengwa Discussion: Coping with Genocide Odeth Kantengwa

Presentation: 21 years after genocide, trauma is still a challenge Naasson Munyandamutsa Discussion and wrap up Jean Baptiste

Day 3: Wednesday May 20th Topic: Genocide: History and Prevention Site Visit: CNLG Strategies of Genocide prevention. Q&A session. Eric Mahoro Group discussions: Dealing with the effects of the genocide against Tutsi Odeth Kantengwa Student Presentation: Cultural Trauma Shannon Cavanaugh First evaluation on theme: Genocide History and Prevention Jean Baptiste Guided tour of Kigali (Optional) Jean Baptiste



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Albatross Experiment Communications Expert Fiona Buchanan facilitated the first PBI 2015 session. She led the participants in an experiment highlighting the fictional Albatross culture as a way to open discussion on cultural context. The Albatross culture treats gender differently than modern North American or Rwandan culture. The role play exercise demonstrates the need to consider cultures other than one’s own when making judgements. Participants discussed their impressions of the Albatross culture as informed by their own perceptions. Cross-cultural competencies are essential for participants as they explore the topic of global peacebuilding.

Gisozi Genocide Memorial (Kigali Memorial Centre) The first PBI site visit was a trip to Gisozi. PBI participants explored its three permanent exhibitions: history and documentation of the 1994 Genocide, a room which highlights the lives of a few child victims, and a comparative exhibition on genocides in Armenia, South-West Africa, Germany, Bosnia, and Cambodia. Participants also toured the memorial gardens and burial site of over 250,000 genocide victims. This site visit introduced many aspects of genocide history and was an emotional experience for some first-time visitors.

“I can bet that very few of the 69% young people in Rwanda know about places like the Murambi Genocide Memorial Museum, and I think it's one that calls upon us to think many miles ahead of anything like what happened in 1994 in Rwanda.” – Henry Mwumvaneza, Rwandan participant



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Genocide Prevention NAR research expert Odeth Kantengwa explained Gregory Stanton’s ten stages of genocide and how each stage can be prevented. PBI aims to give students an understanding of not only how and why genocide happens, but what they as global citizens can do to prevent genocide and be peace-builders in their communities when conflict is still in the early stages. American participant Jessie Foster remarked, "It’s our responsibility to actively try to learn about these issues…to seek out that knowledge and share it with others.”

Ghosts of Rwanda The documentary film Ghosts of Rwanda highlights the social, political, and diplomatic failures which allowed the 1994 Genocide to occur. Both North American and East African participants learned from the film’s presentation of the few expatriates who attempted to act during the genocide. In a following peace circle, participants concentrated on the bravery and sacrifice of those few expatriates who chose to stay in Rwanda in April 1994 rather than the many more who fled.

21 Years after Genocide, Trauma is Still a Challenge NAR Country Director Prof. Naasson Munyandamutsa gave a presentation on addressing the lasting challenge of trauma in Rwanda. "How do you transform conflict into an opportunity to change?" Prof. Naasson asked the group. He explained trauma as a medical issue, one which requires healing. He suggested healing methods such as listening to other people’s narratives and participating in dialogue.

After his presentation, one participant remarked, “I have learned that recovering from genocide is a process, they are many that are ways to recover from it, for example dialogues where people open up.”



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The National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) Within each PBI theme, there are opportunities to learn from scholars, practitioners, and government agencies which work on related issues. Participants visited the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide to complement their theoretical knowledge on the subject. Legal advisor Dr. Diogène Bideri spoke about genocide prevention strategies and how CNLG works within Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region to ensure future generations never have to experience what Rwandans did in 1994. He spoke on the importance of paying attention to and acting to prevent conflict in the region, including tensions in neighboring Burundi.

Cultural Trauma American participant Shannon Cavanaugh presented on Jeffrey Alexander’s theory of cultural trauma. Shannon applied the theory to a case study of the German Holocaust, and she hopes to be able to apply the theory to the Rwandan case after her trip. Each PBI offers participants the opportunity to present and expand upon their previous knowledge.

Lessons Learned*

“I realized that perceptions are easily skewed and we must be open minded to a certain degree. I am learning about the institutions in place that help Rwandans, and the political aspects of genocide history and prevention.”

“I have gained a better understanding on prevention and how it is closely tried to knowing the warning signs and what can be done to combat them.”

* Observations from participant evaluations of each theme



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Theme Two: Transitional Justice

Once PBI participants have a general understanding of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, they learn about the importance of transitional justice. Transitional justice refers to a set of judicial and non-judicial measures implemented by a country in order to address past human rights abuses. Topics covered in this thematic section include the evolution of transitional justice, Gacaca courts, the ICTR, and links between transitional justice and peace-building. Participants with interests in law and policy analysis find this theme particularly interesting. The 2015 group debated often the policy of freeing thousands of genocide perpetrators who confessed their actions. They discussed how this can be considered “justice” and how justice is found in their home countries.

Day 4: Thursday May 21st Topic: Transitional Justice Recap of the previous day Ice-breakers Home groups Presentation & Discussion: The Evolution of Transitional Justice Prof. Stephanie Wolfe “Transitional Justice and its implementation in Rwanda” Discussion Bikesha Denis Discussion “Experiences from Gacaca Courts” (challenges and successes) Bikesha Denis Documentary and discussion “Gacaca- The Heart of the Matter” Bikesha Denis Question and Answer session Bikesha Denis Wrap-up Jean Baptiste Day 5 : Friday, May 22nd Topic: Transitional Justice Recap and ice-breaker Home groups Reparations: Efforts in Rwanda and Beyond Prof. Wolfe Film Clips; ICTR and discussion on the film clips Bikesha Denis Responsibility to Protect Florence Batoni Integrated Peace Building Approaches: The road to reconstruction Florence Batoni Evaluation on the theme; Transitional Justice Jean Baptiste



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The Evolution of Transitional Justice Professor Stephanie Wolfe opened the second PBI theme with a presentation on the topic’s evolution over the last few centuries. She explained some of her research on Transitional Justice including categorizing its five different types: criminal, legislative, historical, symbolic, and rape justice. PBI allows participants to engage with scholars on the cutting edge of peace and conflict research such as Professor Wolfe.

Gacaca Courts Legal expert Denis Bikesha put Transitional Justice into the context of Rwanda. He discussed some of the challenges and successes from the Gacaca Courts, the community-based trials held after the Genocide and a home-grown initiative. Participants met in groups to discuss and present on elements of the Gacaca process. Within each theme, participants are encouraged to develop their ideas through collaborative learning.

ICTR Mr. Bikesha contrasted his previous presentation on the Gacaca system with film clips on the more formal International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda proceedings. Participants compared the methods as forms of transitional justice which served different purposes. They considered how similar types of transitional justice may be used for other conflicts.

Responsibility to Protect and Integrated Peacebuilding Approaches Peacebuilding expert Florence Batoni introduced the idea of the Responsibility to Protect. She also presented on some of the various home-grown approaches which have been used for reconstruction in post-conflict Rwanda, such as Gacaca and Umuganda. Participants discussed additional approaches which may contribute to peacebuilding, including dialogue for healing and starting with youth. Participants are always encouraged to contribute their own ideas throughout the PBI. Rwandan participant Henry said, "On an individual level I think there is something that can be done [to protect others]. We can take advantage of platforms and influence change"

Lessons Learned “For transitional justice to work there must be frameworks set up to support the whole process; for instance, the legal frameworks must be updated, the history of what happens must be maintained, remedies must be available to the victims.”

“I have learned about the different components that must work together to have transitional justice. I also really enjoyed learning about Rwanda’s home grown solutions.”



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Theme Three: Good Governance, Development, and Reconciliation

The second week of the PBI focused on Good Governance, Development, and Reconciliation. Each of these has been critical for Rwanda’s progress since 1994. Participants visited Rwanda’s scenic Southern Province for site visits to a unity and reconciliation association, the Murambi Genocide Memorial, and the King’s Palace. Back in Kigali, participants visited the Rwanda Governance Board and the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission.

Day 8: Monday, May 25th Topic: Good Governance, Development and Reconciliation Trip to Nyanza (stopover in Muhanga to buy snacks) NAR team Tour of the King’s palace Meeting a unity and reconciliation association in Butare NAR team Day 9: Tuesday, May 26th Topic: Good Governance, Development and Reconciliation Drive to the museum NAR team Tour of the museum Watch a traditional dance Relaxation exercise Therese Uwitonze Site Visit: Murambi Memorial Day 10: Wednesday, May 27th Topic: Good Governance, Development and Reconciliation De-briefing on the visit to Murambi Jean Baptiste Drive back to Kigali FREE AFTERNOON Day 11: Thursday, May 28th Topic: Good Governance, Development and Reconciliation Documentary: “As we forgive” Q&A session and discussion Bonny Mukombozi Discussion on Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Drive to Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Presentation by RGB; “ Consensual Democracy and Reconciliation in Rwanda” Eric Mahoro Day 12: Friday, May 29th Topic: Good Governance, Development and Reconciliation Presentation: “Governance strategies to promote Unity and Reconciliation” Eric Mahoro World café: Governance practices and challenges from a US/Rwandan perspective Mutesi Betty

Day 13: Saturday , May 30th Topic: Good Governance, Development and Reconciliation Umuganda Recap of the previous day and icebreaker Home groups Lessons learnt: Reflection on the institute and personal growth Jean Baptiste Final evaluation of the institute Jean Baptiste Interviews Mugenzi Farewell dinner with all the participants and NAR team NAR team Day 14: Sunday, May 31st DEPARTURE OF PARTICIPANTS



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King’s Palace In Nyanza, participants visited the former residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa. Now a museum, the King’s Palace presents aspects of Rwandan history before and during colonization. The museum is made of traditional materials and the grounds are home to some traditional long-horned cows which are a central feature of Rwandan history. Participants with interests in history and anthropology enjoyed this visit in particular.

National Museum Visiting the National Museum of Rwanda gave participants an understanding of how development has changed the country. The museum displays artifacts of traditional Rwandan life, from farming tools to historical dress to military weapons. The site also hosts a training program for making mats and baskets as part of its commitment to development.

Participants delighted in a presentation of traditional dance and music. They were invited to join the fun and learn some new skills.



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Abasangirangendo Many PBI site visits demonstrate how Rwanda has taken an innovative approach to post-genocide reconciliation. For example, some survivors of genocide live alongside perpetrators in unity and reconciliation villages. Participants got a firsthand look at reconciliation during a site visit to one of these associations at Abasangirangendo. Here, survivors and perpetrators live and work together in order to support one another’s development and to foster understanding.

Murambi Memorial The most emotional site visit of the PBI was to the genocide memorial at Murambi, where some bodies of genocide victims are mummified where they were found at the former vocational school. Participants were shocked to learn many more bodies had been discovered in a mass grave under a site where French troops had built a volleyball court. This memorial highlights some of the most disturbing realties of history in Rwanda, in contrast to the other site visits in the southern province.

One participant remarked, “The Butare events were life changing! The memorial was a serious visit and the national museum was interesting. The reconciliation association was such an amazing opportunity.”

As We Forgive Through the stories of two genocide survivors, the documentary As We Forgive explores the use of forgiveness in the reconciliation process. The film sparked many discussions on the nature of forgiveness and its nuances. Participants debated the meaning of forgiveness, and whether it is possible to give forgiveness to those who have not asked for it. PBI participants vary not only in nationality, but also religious views toward ideas such as forgiveness and grace.



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Rwanda Governance Board Much of Rwanda’s success in the past twenty years can be attributed to the implementation of home-grown initiatives, many of which were discussed at a visit to the Rwanda Governance Board. Dr. Felicien Usengumukiza, Head of Research and Monitoring at RGB, explained these initiatives and how other governments may learn from them. Through the PBI, participants learn that methods of good governance and reconciliation depend on the culture and circumstances in a given country. Participants from different countries learn from one another as they compare how governance works in their home.

National Unity and Reconciliation Commission PBI 2015 wrapped up with a focus on Reconciliation. Participants visited the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission in order to gain perspective on the successes and challenges of reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. NURC Division Manager Johnson Mugaga explained some of the difficulties associated with changing the image of Rwanda after 1994. Despite its many challenges, NURC believes reconciliation is a cornerstone to all national development efforts and a basis for combating all forms of discrimination and exclusion among Rwandans.

After the visit, Rwandan participant Emmanuel Twagirimana remarked,

"Usually it is impossible to give justice and then reconcile. But through home grown solutions, reconciliation is growing bigger and bigger."



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World Café Betty Mutesi introduced participants to the world café method of learning for the final group discussion and presentation session. This approach allows participants to discuss the successes and challenges of a practice in a certain country, in this case, governance in the US and Rwanda. Groups then compare their findings and contrast with an ideal world perspective. At this point in the PBI, participants felt comfortable discussing with authority their opinions on governance in different places, as well as their ideas for improvement.

Umuganda In order to complement fully their Rwandan experience, some participants spent the last day of PBI doing umuganda. Community members join together in service on the last Saturday of every month in Rwanda in order to meet needs such as waste management or home building; they also meet as a community after the work to discuss local issues. This is one of the many home-grown solutions for unity and reconciliation which were discussed during the PBI. After two weeks, all participants felt a sense of “Rwandaness” and a desire to give back in the city.

Lessons Learned “Good governance is made by accountability and hard work, reconciliation and healing go hand in hand.”

“Good governance must focus on the equality of all citizens, providing equal opportunities, and calling accountability.”

“I have learned a lot about how policies can shape the attitude and spirit of a whole community.”



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Testimonial: Henry, Rwandan Participant

I have learned a lot from PBI, especially on the topics of Transitional Justice and Good Governance. Over 69% of Rwanda’s population is between the ages of 17 & 35, including myself and many of my friends. Because of the PBI, I plan on doing the following:

1) Take as many young people as possible to genocide memorial museums.

2) I would like to in some way create a mutual link between young people and people like the PBI facilitators. Maybe something related to a mentorship program.

3) I would also like to keep the network of participants going, hopefully we shall keep on learning from each other's experiences since we have all left the PBI with heavy resolutions. I don't think it would hurt me to let someone suggest something that they think would actually work better for me in Rwanda's context, even when they are American. I plan on keeping in touch with this platform of PBI 2015 friends, and to learn from them a lot more than what I did while we were together. I look at all of them as Ambassadors of Peace across the Globe and am sure we can do something together to create a better world.

Whether the young compose a big percentage of the population or not, they are the strongest weapon any government can use to operate successfully. We the young people can be used by our Governments for the better or even for the worse. We are being used, though, which means we have the choice in our hands. So, let's all sing one single song across the Globe, live one single life, go for one single goal, which is "A better Nation, A better International System" and we shall sincerely see the reality of our song and sacrificed life.



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Peace Building: Poem by Rwandan/Canadian participant Jessica Gatoni

Part 1: Commemorate

To remember, we must walk tombs, catacombs of memories too painful to process, impossible

to digest. How the land of milk and honey became

drenched in red, sticky from remnant splatters of decay, shards of metal trapped in skulls,

sharp reminders of history in memorandum. Rwanda, we still struggle to find the words, to

remember: Gisozi, in the heart of your city, tells stories of

how evil is planted, grows, and is harvested. We see a timeline from a structured majesty, to

a divided colony, to a shattered country. The images playing in our minds like a

cacophonous melody, a dissonant beating of drums.

Encased in glass are fragmented human bones and skulls, testimonies and photographs bringing

them to life but it is not enough... There are too many stories that are unheard. It is hard to bear witness to the aftermath of hatred spewed by tongues gums carrying 32

bodies, balled up fists like bombs. I wonder, if they will ever see the ubiquity in death, if they can classify the indistinguishable

graveyards with untrained eyes. Ntamara and Nyamata, in the Bugesera region;

hallowed were the grounds in which we walked, for they are dichotomous to the foundation

they were built on. Where there was no sanctuary, no mercy or

humanity in rewritten commandments founded in destruction and where the Tutsi sought

refuge in vain. Slain in churches, laid in sacrament tables;

leftover belongings are collected and placed meticulously; there are still some unaccounted

for.

Murambi, in the city of Butare, once a school now a memorial of mummified bodies exhumed and the magnitude of loss is felt in our senses. The dizzying smells and images are etched in

our memories; This is the legacy of genocide.

The stories here are apparent, inescapable, the failures are evident but this is not the end.

Rwanda, you have survived by living by knowing life with the anguish of reliving but you

remember. Kwibuka means to remember.

Yet your thousand hills are still, silent, serene, peaceful, beautiful an example of how nature

quells the lawlessness of man. Rwanda, you have refused to be overcome and found that in solidarity you can reclaim dignity

in your land.

Part 2: Lessons learned To live on we must be the clay before the

concrete has had days to lay, Before the form is born,

Rebuilding, paving new roads amidst the decay Because this form is a prison we have

unknowingly saluted and sworn to. We do not chose who we are, where we have

been, but we can decide where will go Look nowhere in particular,

But see everything, Hear what your soul shows you,

And love enough to decode the sorrow. Love enough to forgive

Sorrow is a loan, Without it would we have ever grown?

Sorrow is a loan, Without it would we have ever known? The price of death, the value of life, the

importance of reconciliation A new day has dawned over us, we begin anew

It is possible, we have seen it.


Results

Before the PBI, one participant said, “I expect this PBI to be a life-changing experience. I want to learn so much more about Rwanda. I want to contextualize the research I’ve done.” The PBI is certainly life-changing for all participants. In just two weeks, they report incredible growth in their skills and understanding.

After the PBI, participants felt they had a much better understanding of what Rwanda can teach the world than before the Institute. All believed their skills, attitudes, behavior and perceptions have changed highly or very highly because of their experience at PBI.

66.70%

33.30%

0.0%

50.0% 50.0%

0.0%

58.0%

42.0%

Very Highly Highly Moderately Littleincrease

Rwanda participantInternational ParticipantAverage

76.4 87.3 72.7 70.9 63.6 67.390.9 81.8 69.1 69.1 76.4

83.1 87.7 84.6 86.2 81.5 84.692.3 89.2 96.9 89.2 92.3

Understanding

ofRw

anda’shistory

andculture

Understanding of G

enocideagainst Tutsi and its afterm

athconsequences

Understanding of G

oodgovernance and D

evelopment

concepts

Understanding of transitional

Justice

Skills in cross-culturaldialogue, critical thinking andanalysis of com

plex issues andproblem

solving.

Skills in Preventing andovercom

ing violence andethnic divides

Level of your comm

itment as

a peace builder in yourcom

munity

understanding of your rolesas peace builder in thecom

munity at large

Your Experiences in PeaceBuilding

Skills and strategies toovercom

e the challenges youm

ay face in Peace building inyour com

munity

Understanding of w

hatRw

anda can teach the World

Before: Average score % After: Average score %

5.0%

51.7%

43.4%

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%7.7%

23.1%

69.2%

Before (Pre-Evaluation) After (Post-Evaluation)

Table One: Rate your understanding of what Rwanda can teach the world

Table Two: How much have your skills, attitudes, behavior and perceptions changed as a result of PBI?

Trend Line: Indicators Before and After


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Conclusion

The PBI set out to answer the question, “What can Rwanda teach the world?” As participant Jessica Gatoni said, “What can't Rwanda teach the world? This is a country that shows that there are no excuses, there is no reason to not rebuild and reconstruct when tragedy strikes. There is always hope for people to come together and move forward.”

Participants leave the Peace Building Institute ready to take part in a global network of responsible leaders. After the 2015 PBI, each participant expressed a commitment to use what he or she had learned in his or her studies and future work.

All participants are prepared to be agents of change in their homes, schools and workplaces. In addition to being ready to address conflict in their surrounding communities, the newfound peace-builders are now alert to how they may prevent mass atrocities anywhere. With the skills and knowledge they gained from PBI, participants will encourage communities around the world to come together and move forward, toward a world of sustainable peace.



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Appendix: Participant and Facilitator Biographies 2015 Summer Peace Building Institute Participant Profiles

Shannon Cavanaugh

Shannon Cavanaugh is a senior at Keene State College with a focus in Psychology and Holocaust/Genocide Studies. Her interest in genocide studies began after learning about the Rwandan Genocide in one of her courses. Since then she has wanted to come to Rwanda to form a personal connection with the narrative of the genocide and the people of Rwanda. This fall she will complete an internship at an advocacy center in Keene, NH and help victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She wants to use her knowledge of trauma to help others. She hopes to learn and to gain as much experience as she can in order to help individuals and communities during conflicts.

Henry Mwumvaneza

Henry Mwumvaneza is a third year student of International Relations at the Kigali Independent University. He is the current East African Community Youths Deputy Ambassador to Rwanda (2014-2015). He is an International Students' Festival in Trondheim (ISFIT) 2015 agent of transformational dialogue. He is a tourism administrator and driver guide. This means he organizes tours for tourists and where needs be, he drives and guides them through their itinerary. He is a simultaneous interpreter and documents translator.

Jason DiLena

Jason DiLena is a Political Science student from Bountiful, Utah. He is a senior at Weber State University and intends to go on to graduate school to propel a career involving international relations. He is passionate about human rights and gender equality and looks forward to a long career in service of such rights. He enjoys participating in community service and has been awarded a scholarship for service and academic achievement. He will be spending this summer doing an internship in Rwanda to gain experience. He spends his free time playing baseball, hiking, and unsuccessfully competing against his wife in tennis.



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Madeleine Farnsworth

Maddie Farnsworth is an 18-year-old sophomore at Weber State University. She studies Pre-Medicine with hopes of being a surgeon in the future. She is a certified CNA and Phlebotomist. She enjoys traveling the world, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. She is from San Diego, California, but she has lived in Utah for 3 years. She has a younger sister who is ten years old and a younger brother who is three. Outside of her studies, she enjoys hiking and being outdoors. She looks forward to meeting new people, making new friends, and having a great time at the Peace-Building Institute.

Jessie Foster

Jessie Foster is a 19 year old student at the University of Virginia; she intends to major in Global Development Studies with a focus on either Peace Studies or Economics. Before college, she attended a Catholic all-girls high school in Washington, DC. Her favorite classes this year were Mandarin Chinese Language and Global Literature. Jessie enjoys playing sports, reading and drawing. She loves meeting new people and exploring new places. Most of all, she is excited about her participation in the Peace Building Institute to learn about Rwanda’s recovery and methods that can be applicable in resolving current and future conflicts.

Jessica Gatoni

Jessica Gatoni is a Rwandan and has wanted an opportunity to go back home and work and study for some time. She is from Canada but she has been living and studying in the U.S. working on her undergraduate degree in Political Science. She grew up like many other Rwandans being involved in the community and trying her best to learn her culture from abroad. She is very excited to be here and learn about Rwanda and its recovery in the post genocide.



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Julie Ikeda

Julie Ikeda is a senior at Weber State University pursuing a Bachelor’s in both Political Science and Business Administration. She is the president of Amnesty International student group at Weber State and competes on the Model United Nations, Mock Trial, and Moot Court teams. Her interests in school are international relations, constitutional law, genocide studies, and management systems. She is currently involved in research and writing surrounding the narratives of survivors of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, and the networks and efforts they are now creating in the United States.

Didace Niyibizi

Didace Niyibizi is a 3rd year student at University of Rwanda, college of arts and social science. He did his secondary school at Ecole d’Aarts de Nyundo in languages: English, French and Kinyarwanda. He is an active citizen reporter at www.yfcrwanda .com, writing and analyzing news is his passion. He likes youth involved with critical thinking. Sustaining development that give youth for participation is his choice. He has self confidence in whatever he can do, hence he respects the ideas of other. Like praying and worshiping the Almighty God.

Alice Nyangoma

Alice Nyangoma completed high school last year at Gahini Secondary School where she majored in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. During her time in high school she served as the head girl for 2 years and the president of the unity and reconciliation club (Anti-Genocide Club) for 1 year. She has a certficate from Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Rwanda, which is a program that transforms young people into leaders of change as they facilitate technology, business and entrepreneurial learning experinces to people in their communities.



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Anaїs Nyiramahogazi

Anaїs Nyiramahogazi recently graduated from the University of Rwanda where she studied Journalism and Communication. She plans to get a master’s degree in Development Communication. Anaїs is very keen to work in the development sector. She was an intern in the communication section at the Burundian association ANSS (Association Nationale de Soutien aux Séropositifs et Malades du Sida) which assists people living with HIV/AIDS. She is currently a Public Information intern at UNHCR-Burundi. Anaїs is also a passionate reader of African/Afro-American literature. She enjoys socializing with new people and dreams of travelling around the world. Anaїs lives with her family in Bujumbura (Burundi) where she was born.

Joshua Redhair

Joshua Redhair lives in Roy, Utah with his family. He is the second oldest of eight children. He works for the communications company Verizon Wireless to help pay for school and to save up for Graduate School next year. He has a passion for politics and international relations. His hobbies consist of sports, watching television and movies on Netflix, and hanging out with his friends and family. Joshua has not traveled very much and is very excited for the opportunity to go to Rwanda!

Leah Thanji

Leah Thanji is a patriotic, passionate about leadership and Pan-Africanism, role oriented Kenyan youth. She has been involved in youth and community leadership and volunteerism for the last 6 years. She has volunteered with World Youth Parliament as the Minister for Leadership and Governance. She is a believer of African Unity and is in the process of establishing East African Community Students Association (EACSA). She believes although Africa is free of colonialism, the continent still needs to be liberated from economic dependency and neo-colonialism. In this regard, under the Kilele Youth Community, she has come up with mushroom and strawberry farming project for youths

as a way of eradicating unemployment in their country. She is a politician and has been involved in several political activities including a political mentorship programme by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). She intends to run for a parliamentary seat in 2017 General Elections in Kenya.



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Emmanuel Twagirimana Emmanuel Twagirimana is a 2nd year student at the University of Rwanda College of Arts and Social Sciences studying Journalism and Communication. He went to high school at ES Nyakabanda where he majored in English, Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili (EKK) with a first grade pass mark. He participated in and obtained a certificate from ITORERO RY’ IGIHUGU program which promotes values of unity, truth, culture of hard work and avoiding attitudes and mindsets that deter development. He is also a member of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF). He is looking forward to participating in the Peace Building Institute in order to strengthen his peace building skills.

Umuhoza Léa Danaë

Danaë is a 19-year old university student who just completed her first year at Saint Mary's University in Canada. Some of her hobbies are spending time with God, spending time with family and friends, babysitting, watching TV, and reading. She is adventurous and loves to travel. She enjoys learning new things and being able to use her skills to help those around her. Danaë worked as a server in a cafeteria, a monitor in the girl's dorm, and an English grader for elementary school students while a student at Maxwell Adventist Academy in Kenya. Last summer she volunteered at a school with mentally disabled children.

2015 Summer Peace Building Institute Facilitators/Speakers Profiles Dr. Joseph R. Nkurunziza

Dr. Joseph R. Nkurunziza completed his Medical Studies at the National University of Rwanda in 2006. For the last 8 years, he has worked as both a physician and a public health expert. He worked with the Earth Institute at Columbia University in the Millennium Villages Project as the health coordinator from 07-08. Later he joined Drew Cares International, an affiliate of Charles Drew University, as the Clinical Services Director from 09-10. During this tenure, he implemented HIV care and treatment within the Rwanda Defense Forces. He worked as a HIV clinician at the Rwanda Military Hospital before joining the Department of Defense-US Embassy

Rwanda in 2011 as a Clinical Services Specialist. He is Co-Founder and President of Never Again Rwanda. He also serves on the board of Center for Public Health and Development. He is also a co-founder and board director of Health Development Initiative. His work in Rwanda focuses on health, social justice and gives young people the guidance, encouragement and knowledge to be active citizens. In 2010 he was honored by Junior Chambers International as one of the 2010 ten outstanding young persons of the world (TOYP 2010) at Osaka in Japan.



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Prof. Naasson Munyandamutsa, PhD

Prof. Naasson is a medical doctor by profession; he specialized in the area of Psychiatry-Psychotherapy with over 27 years of experience. For several years now, he has worked as both a clinician and lecturer in Switzerland and Rwanda. He was a visiting lecturer at the University of France, “Université Lumière de Lyon2”. He has 15 years of expertise in the promotion of dialogue as a mechanism for conflict mitigation in post-war and genocide countries. He is a recognized speaker with vast skills in moderation and facilitation. He has been a panelist at conferences in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, USA, Canada, Cyprus, and Cameroon in the field of psychological trauma (extreme violence, challenges of living together in post-conflict societies. He is currently the country director at Never Again Rwanda.

Betty Mutesi

Betty Mutesi is a Country Director for International Alert in Rwanda and Burundi. She holds an MA in Peace and Developmental Studies from the University of Jaume I in Spain. Before joining Alert, Betty worked for over eight years as Senior Specialist for Rwanda Governance Board, and as a governance consultant for the Rwandan Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning overseeing Millennium Challenge Corporation programs in the country. She has lived in Spain and worked in Kenya, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

Dr. Stephanie Wolfe

Dr. Stephanie Wolfe is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Weber State University. Her areas of specialization are international politics, genocide, atrocities, and other human rights violations. She is the author of The Politics of Reparations and Apologies which focuses on the Holocaust and the Romani Genocide, the Japanese American Internments, and the Japanese comfort women system during WW2. Her current research and forthcoming publications are on the Great Lakes region with an emphasis on the Rwandan Genocide and its aftermath. She also serves as an academic advisor to the international politics minor, Model UN, and Amnesty International.


http://www.international-alert.org/users/betty-mutesi

http://www.google.rw/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http://en.paperblog.com/w-va-college-professor-forbids-students-from-using-foxnews-as-source-435985/&ei=_8dVVeTNNYT-UqLSgKAJ&bvm=bv.93564037,d.bGQ&psig=AFQjCNGUjALLmE3NEIpjPPDGgzUsMWVzdA&ust=1431771456324320


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Florence Batoni

Batoni Florence is the Peace Building Coordinator for NAR. She is a PR and communications expert, a researcher and a specialist in conflict management and transformation. She has experience working with international development agencies such as Trade Mark East Africa as a Communications Technical Advisor to the Ministry of East African Community in Rwanda. She also worked as a research fellow at Institute of Policy Analysis and Research-Rwanda

where she contributed to the development and implementation of multiple research projects.

She is a Fulbright scholar who pursued a master’s degree in conflict transformation from Eastern Mennonite University in the USA. While in USA, Florence worked with World Vision USA in International programs. Before obtaining her master’s degree, she also worked with World Vision Rwanda as a Communications specialist where she was in charge of several projects in the communication for development field. She also worked as a communication and PR expert in Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Program, a World Bank funded Project for repatriation and reintegration of armed groups from Eastern DRC ex-combatants and ex-Rwanda Defense Forces into civilian life.

Before joining RDRP, Florence worked with Radio Rwanda as a team lead for capacity building and reporting. Florence obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mass communication from Makerere University, Kampla, Uganda in 2002. She possesses experience of supporting for strategic leadership Boards and currently serves as a board member of the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.

Denis Bikesha

Denis Bikesha is currently completing his PhD at the University of Dar es Salaam School of Law. He also holds a LLB and LLM received from the Rwanda National University in 2004 and 2010, respectively. He is an alumnus of the CONTACT program and the School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute in Vermont (USA) where he obtained a Diploma in Conflict Resolution and Peace building. He is active in research, publication, and training in areas of justice, reconciliation, conflict resolution and peace building.

Bikesha is the cofounder and partner at Premier Law Chamber, a law firm in Rwanda. He is a lecturer and University of Rwanda School of Law. He is a senior consultant for the US-based organizations Lead 4

Tomorrow and American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative in Eastern Africa and Rwanda, respectively. From 2004-2012, he worked as a Legal Officer and then Director at the National Service of Gacaca Courts in Rwanda. He has worked with the SIT World Learning Institute since 2005 as a lecturer and home stay coordinator. Bikesha is fluent in Kinyarwanda, English, and French.


http://www.google.rw/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http://www.premierlc.com/denis.php&ei=-shVVf-SMcW4Ub-ygdAJ&bvm=bv.93564037,d.bGQ&psig=AFQjCNFIaleOaeUod_1N9xoPpS-nAlzP-Q&ust=1431771760607886


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Fiona Buchanan

Fiona Buchanan is a Communications Expert with Never Again Rwanda. She holds a B.A. In Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Master of Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. In her studies, she concentrated in ethnic politics, the politics of development and media in developing countries. Her interest in the role of media in building strong civil society, promoting human rights and peace first brought her to Rwanda in 2013. Her love of the country, the people and especially the work of organizations like Never Again Rwanda has been bringing her back to the land of a thousand hills ever since!

Jean Baptiste Hategekimana

Mr. Jean Baptiste Hategekimana is a Peace Building Program Officer with Never Again Rwanda. He previously worked at Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) as Information, Education and Communication Officer and Associate Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of RGB. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the National University of Rwanda. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at Mahatma Gandhi University Rwanda. He joined Never Again Rwanda with an extensive experience in media affairs, communication, governance and peace-building. He worked for Radio Salus as News sub-editor, anchor and presenter of various talk shows.

In print media, he participated in the initiation and development of various works: RGB E-Newsletter, Youth for Change Magazine for Never Again Rwanda, Jijukirwa Magazine for AJPRODHO and Inzira ya Demukarasi for Rwanda Parliament.

Odeth Kantengwa

Odeth Kantengwa is a Research Coordinator with Never Again Rwanda. She obtained her postgraduate diploma in research skills from Maastrict School of Management in the Netherlands in 2014. She obtained her MA in Genocide Studies and prevention from the National University of Rwanda in 2012 and her B.A. in Social Work from the University of Rwanda in 2006. Odeth also worked as a researcher for 3 years at the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG). Her publications include: ‘How motherhood triumphs over trauma among women with children born of rape,’ ‘The psychological legacy of genocide against the Tutsis,’ and ‘Moving Forward: creating safe spaces for women raped during the genocide.’ Apart from her research contributions to Rwanda’s post-genocide society, Odeth is a proud

mother of two wonderful daughters and she also enjoys reading about the psychology of interpersonal relationships in her free time.



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Bonny Mukombozi

Mr. Bonny Mukombozi is a Researcher with Never Again Rwanda. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Makerere University (Uganda). An admirer of Socrates, Nelson Mandela, and Frederick Von Hayek, he is a researcher, a journalist, a policy analyst, and a social entrepreneur. As a researcher with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), he participated in the publication of Rwanda Governance Scorecard 2014, Citizen Report Card 2013 &2014, Home Grown Impact Assessment 2013, and has been part of the national committee which drafted the Children’s Rights, and national technical committee working on National Human Rights Action Plan

Mukombozi worked with The New Times Publications based in Rwanda, as the Head of the Regional Bureau. He authored and co-authored specific articles on Gender and Development in Rwanda, the status of Historically Marginalized People in Rwanda, and has made analysis of International publications; such as Mo Ibrahim Governance Index and Gallup Poll Index.

Jean Claude Mugenzi

Jean Claude Mugenzi is a filmmaker who has been mostly involved in peacebuilding since the end of the genocide. He has made close to two dozen documentary films, a few fiction films and many promotional videos. Most of these documentary films (some of which are available on his vimeo website) were based on discussions on peace and conflicts, history, politics, economics, both in Rwanda, Liberia and the United States where he did his studies (BA in Film from Columbia College Chicago). Since last year, he hosts a PBI show for television in addition to his daily work as Audio-Visual Coordinator at NAR.



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SUMMER 2015

PEACE-BUILDING INSTITUTE

REPORT


peacebuilding institute report summer 2015 · nar country director prof. naasson munyandamutsa gave...

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