Today we started off with a visit to AVEGA, which is an organization that assists women who are widows as a result of the genocide. They offer counseling to help the widows and children of widows deal with their trauma. The organization also encourages forgiveness as a means of eventually healing and reconciling. Many survivors give back to the organization and community by becoming trauma counselors themselves after going through the healing process themselves. Because of the great deal of people who became widows due to the genocide, counselors often have to see upwards of 10 people a day. It was great to learn about this organization and see how much assistance they are giving to women and children who are still struggling.
After visiting AVEGA, we went to the FAWE girls school, which is where the above picture is taken. FAWE is a boarding school for females that focuses mainly on the sciences. While there, each of us were paired with one of the students and we had a chance to speak with them and exchange questions. The student I was paired with is named Ester. She is 17 and hopes to become a doctor one day. She also dreams of going back to the U.S. one day, which she says is the dream of most girls at the school. After our brief conversation, the entire group went around and got a tour of the school. All of the girls we met were very intelligent and driven. They are destined for success. While at their school we engaged in a little traditional dance with them, which was pretty funny to say the least. Overall, the school was very impressive. The focus Rwanda has placed on education of the youth, especially females, is commendable.
In the afternoon we went to the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide. While there, we received a very indepth description of the genocide to include some unfortunate details (babies being thrown against walls, rapes of women in front of their children and/or husband, rape of dead bodies, murders by priests/religious figureheads). We learned of some of the laws that have been instituted to prevent the resurgence of violence and genocide ideology. The organization also places a strong emphasis on working with other groups and other countries to help combat future genocides worldwide. Their work is admirable and we all are going to do our best to spread their message.
Next, we went on a city tour of Kigali, their capital. During the tour, we stopped at the building where 10 Belgian Soliders were killed during the war. Inside, we learned more about the genocide. The bullet holes from the fight are still easily seen in the walls. It is a humbling site. The rest of the tour consisted of seeing various old and new parts of Kigali. It was a fun time with the group.
The last thing we did before dinner was meet with a trauma counselor at the hotel. She told us about the various methods they use to help survivors deal with their trauma and PTSD. We were also able to ask her questions concerning healing from trauma caused by the genocide. It was a great conversation and I definitely learned a lot, especially pertaining to my area of focus (psycological resources for healing).
Tomorrow morning we are heading to Butare, which is about 2-3 hours away. While there, we will be visiting another genocide memorial site. And because it is so far away, we will be getting a helicopter ride back as initially requested by Pres. Kagame. Pretty cool. We all are really excited. Anyway, it's getting late here so I must retire to bed. I hope America is treating you as well as these Rwandans are treating us :). Peace!
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