Youth Peace Camp – Rwanda

November 2010 in Nyange - we brought 48 youth and mentors from 6 secondary schools across Rwanda (operated by the Association of Baptist Churches of Rwanda) for one week of shared learning, fun, personal and spiritual enrichment. See photos

It was a unique opportunity to empower and stand in solidarity with a key group of youth who have already exhibited leadership in their school, church or community and are working to build peace in a country that still faces great challenges as it struggles to heal and rebuild.

The majority of these youth come from poor, rural regions that are often ignored or underserved. They lack access to training and networking opportunities – till now!

Here are some photos from our first peace camp. Enjoy!

What Did We Do?

Camp Overview: We believe that at the heart of all learning is experience. This camp was designed accordingly. Most of the learning took place in small groups and through interactive methods such as role play games and mapping, sports, art, dance, song and drama, to encourage creative thinking and dialogue.

Daily Workshops

Camp participants  received hands-on skills training in: conflict transformation and peer mediation; media and communications – including special workshops on film by Almond Tree Films, Rwanda (see photo below) and on drama by Shalom Educating for Peace; as well as some practical tips on trauma/grief counselling.

Special Events

We had screenings of some of the films by young film makers with Almond Tree Films Rwanda, including Long Coat, Maibobo and  munyurangabo.

Amizero dance troupe (street kids performance group) officially opened our camp with some great traditional dances. Our gafotozi (young photographers trained at a peace of life workshop in nov. 09) captured all of our special moments on film.

We continue to follow up with youth to build common ground and dialogue through creative means, an important part not only of the peace and reconciliation process, but sustainable community development in general.

Field Trip and Community Service

One day was dedicated to a field trip, to reinforce learning, provide practical experience and build solidarity. We held a solidarity walk to Ecole Secondaire de Nyange, a significant site where students refused to separate. 13 were killed. We were thrilled to be joined by Phaneul S., a living Rwandan hero, one of the student survivors, as we commemorated the courage of those who gave their lives for peace. See photos.

The following day we planted trees as a living memorial as well as learn more about the link between peace and environment sustainability.

Peace Commitment

On our last day, we created and signed a group commitment to peace:

English translation:

Our Commitment

We who participated in the peace camp,

We swear in God’s and men’s eyes

That we will be catalysts for peace in both good and bad times,

valuing everybody, mediating, resolving conflict without favouritism

helping to make informed and wise solutions

striving for peace and restorative justice

fighting any type of violence

guided by the word of God,

may God help us to achieve this noble commitment.

Peace Poetry Slam, Dance, Song

Youth created and performed several poems, songs and dances to spread the message of peace and what they have learned. See more on YouTube.

Personal Reflection

Peace starts within! Each day we had a time of reflection, to nurture spiritual development , a crucial aspect to sustainable peace-building! Reflection is needed to review what has been learned and consider personal applications. Youth kept personal journals and created skits to share what their most powerful learning moments were. See photos.

In 2011, we brought almost 80 youth and their mentors together for our second annual peace camp. This time it was held in Gisenyi, on the shores of Lake Kivu. We were thrilled to have a few participants join us from the DR Congo, right across the border.  See more photos

Our first two camps surpassed our expectations. We have learned a lot along the way and look forward to providing an annual peace camp. Please help make this a reality. Provide this life-changing opportunity for youth. Help them to get together and gain skills and encouragement in their peace-building efforts. Make a donation today !