Rwanda Hands of Hope
NEW UPDATES - Please read the exciting news on how the project is progressing
Project: Rwanda Hands of Hope Agency: Bible Society Target: $35 750 (Tax Deductible)
Total Raised: $39 496
Bible Society’s Hands of Hope project seeks to improve the literacy level of 102,000 of Rwanda’s youth through education in reconcilation and healing using the Bible story of Joseph in Genesis.
With its partner African Enterprise, Bible Society recognises the need for reconciliation between the Hutus and Tutsis after the genocide of 1994. This project will educate young people on the need to forgive the other tribe and seek to live peaceably despite the events of 1994. Bible Society believes that the key to this project’s success is Bible based education material, showing the true way of reconciliation.
Progress Updates:
Targets Reached
• Training of students: During January to June 2008, a total of 22,000 primary school children were reached with the reconciliation education. This brings the total number of students reached to 70,000 from commencement of the program in January 2007.
• Training of Peer Leaders – In the period January to June 2008, 138 peer leaders were trained in how to lead the clubs in debate and discussion on the merits of reconciliation and peace building in Rwanda. To date, the total number of peer leaders trained is 288.
• Training of parents: During the reporting period, 50 parents were trained to become agents of change and promote a culture of forgiveness and repentance within and among families. The parents were challenged to broaden their awareness to Bible based views on how to better influence children under their care. Total number of parents trained to date is 300.
• Training of teachers: Teachers were trained to be facilitators of the message of reconciliation with God first and with each other next. 80 teachers attended a five days workshop. Total number of teachers trained to date is 345.
• Training of Pastors: The church is the most important institution that can bring a Godly change in Rwanda. Over 80% of the population of Rwanda attends church. AEE Rwanda believes that ‘reaching church leaders is reaching the entire society’. 78 pastors from 10 churches were trained on how to facilitate the healing and reconciliation message. Total number of pastors trained to date is 328.
Testimonies 
Chantal is a Hutu and Immaculate a Tutsi and they both attended a workshop on reconciliation as parents of children in the program. Prior to attending the seminar, both had very deep seated prejudice toward people of the other group. During the seminar/workshop, both were seen to sit in private and talk over issues. At the last day of training both confessed forgiveness and pledged to educate their children that to love one another brings peace of mind but above all God is pleased when we love each other.
Pierre is 16 years old in one of the participating schools in Giseyni and said “My father, mother and six brothers and sisters were killed during the genocide. I was living a life of hatred and anger. This year, something happened and changed me completely. During the education in reconciliation , my heart was greatly moved by the teachings in forgiving those that hurt us. With tears I decided to forgive the people that killed my family”.