Support community facilitators training in Rwanda

From September to December 2025, CFOR in partnership with GER supproted community activities which included preparation and facilitation of a dialogue meeting, that brought together 55 participants representing youth groups, adults, religious leaders, and local authorities in charge of unity, reconciliation, and resilience at the district level. The meeting was held at Centre Christus–Remera on 4 December 2025. The aim of the meeting was to share experiences and lessons learned, assess the importance of community groups, identify remaining challenges, Participants highlighted that these groups are very important because they provide a safe space for dialogue, trust-building, and healing from the past.

A genocide survivor from one of the groups testified that participation in group activities helped her move out of isolation and realize that she also has value in society, while learning to listen to others and support them.

Another participant stated that the trainings were beneficial to him, as he is now a community leader who helps others. He added that the trainings enabled him to forgive those who had wronged him and destroyed his property during the Genocide, and that they are now living together peacefully.

The Officer in Charge of Unity and Reconciliation in Ruhango District appreciated the positive impact of these activities in her community. She noted that she closely followed the activities and confirmed that some citizens were reconciled through youth-led initiatives. She added that local leaders also gained valuable lessons that support them in their work of bringing communities together. She cited an example of an individual who participated in the Genocide against the Tutsi and later acknowledged his role, confessed to his family, and openly explained the harm he had caused. She requested to have these interactions and said that it is much needed now,

Participants also reflected on their role during commemoration period, and expressed a strong wish for GER and CFOR community groups on unity, reconciliation and resilience be expanded across the country to help the next generation understand what happened and to play an active role in nation-building as Rwandans.

In addition to these activities, from November 2025 CFOR and GER started planning and preparing the 2026 training programme.This included online meetings that brought together members of GER and CFOR. The training aims to build the capacity of community facilitators who will contribute to collective healing, with a particular focus on youth, as trauma remains a major challenge to unity and reconciliation efforts.