From Extreme Poverty to Empowerment: In Mugina sector, CARSA works alongside the vulnerable community formerly considered historically Marginalized Community

CARSA—Focusing on shaping young people to be at the center of peace and sustainable development

Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives: The Impact of CARSA’s Empower Workshop

On June 20-21, a dozen students in CARSA’s education sponsorship program gathered at  Chris Hotel to participate in an intensive seminar on “Financial Literacy: Empowering Your Financial Future.” 

Meet Mbarushimana Celestin, a father of 6 children, a model farmer, and a former genocide perpetrator from Cyeza Sector, Muhanga District, Southern Rwanda. Celestin is one example of thousands of people who benefited from CARSA’s various initiatives and tried to put them into practice and changed their entire lives in 3 aspects: Socially, psychologically, and economically.

The post-genocide reconciliation process has been very difficult because of the genocide effects that affected community members socially and psychologically. It was hard for a genocide offender and a victim to live in harmony after a crime like that of genocide but with the power of God and pragmatic initiatives like RCG (Resilience Cell Group) people have chosen to step beyond forgiveness, embrace reconciliation and work together for holistic change.

This April marks the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, with commemorative events beginning on April 7. Throughout April, both globally and within Rwanda, there's a dedicated time to honor the memory of those  whose lives were innocently lost during the tragedy. "Kwibuka," translating to "to Remember", signifies a period of deep reflections on the past and a commitment to preventing such horrors from repeating.

During the week of commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the CARSA Community Peace Clubs have pledged to do activities that support genocide survivors.

Every year, the Rwandan community comes together to commemorate the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. It’s now 30 years since  Rwanda’s history was interrupted by the atrocities of the genocide. Families were torn apart, children became orphans, mothers watched their children being killed by neighbors, and fathers left their families.

During the genocide, I participated in killing many people, among other relatives from the families of two women who were here in the workshop. When the genocide was stopped, I was arrested and put in prison, where I spent 11 years. While in prison, I had time to reflect on what I did and realized how I was so cruel.

Six months ago, we had shared about two young girls, Uwicyenda Jacqueline and Dusabirane Josephine from underprivileged backgrounds who after many years were able to resume their education journey.  They are now finishing second term of tailoring in Vocational School with the hope of gaining employable skills that will earn them a living and support their families after the program.

Usengumuremyi Venuste is 57 years old, married with 6 children, and lives in Nyarubaka Sector of Kamonyi District. Venuste solitary survived as his entire family slayed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He left with nothing, as all his people and properties were exterminated, and his heart was extremely wounded. People used to call him a fool; a madman.

Evariste Sibomana, 54 from Nyarusange Sector in Muhanga District was sentenced for 12 years for killing the mother of Rwamucyo Narcisse during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, and he does not regret having gone to jail because he “deserved it.”

This January from 08th to 18th 2024, CARSA efficaciously hosted 3 staff from Compelled By Love (CBL), an Australian-based organization. The journey aimed at strengthening the existing partnership and learning more about the impact made from this long-run partnership.

In Rwanda, a country that has experienced immense trauma following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, CARSA’s Empower Program became a stellar space to provide a conducive environment for survivors and perpetrators to walk together in wound debridement, enhanced social cohesion, and social-economy development to build their common better future.

Through the generous partnership of CARSA and Compelled By Love (CBL), CARSA erected modern shelters for vulnerable families from Mugina Sector of Kamonyi district. The families were identified by the local authorities and proposed to CARSA due to its dire need for healthy and decent housing.

To create a better world for these children from disadvantaged backgrounds who are unable to afford the necessities of their education, CARSA, through a partnership with Compelled By Love (CBL), an Australian-based organization, initiated the Education Partnership program.

CARSA aims to build a society that understands the consequences of genocide by focusing on preventing man's inhumanity to man. We believe that peace education and teaching young people how to prevent Genocide and mass atrocities is crucial in making a brighter future.

Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance (CARSA) was created in 2004 and is registered as Local NGO which aims to support communities in Rwanda in their journey towards healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and holistic development.