This June, the Peacebuilding Institute (PBI) welcomed its 21st cohort for a two-week workshop organized for 23 passionate young professionals and students from diverse backgrounds, hailing from different countries. With the support of the Swedish Embassy in Rwanda, Never Again Rwanda (NAR) has hosted several international peacebuilding workshops for aspiring peacebuilders across the globe.

The transformative journey of these young peacebuilders began on 12 June and concluded on 23 June 2023. After two weeks of thought-provoking sessions on various aspects of peacebuilding, enlightening speakers, and poignant site visits across Rwanda, the peacebuilders left the PBI Workshop having a deeper understanding of and respect for their roles in establishing and maintaining peace in their communities as current and future peacebuilders. 

As one peacebuilder put it, “As a South Sudanese refugee, I have personally witnessed the devastating consequences of conflict and the horrors of genocide. I have endured the pain and loss that accompany such atrocities. However, this workshop has infused me with a newfound hope and belief in the power of reconciliation and peacebuilding.” 

The PBI workshop created a unique setting to foster the minds of the peacebuilders, providing the space to grow and understand different aspects of peacebuilding while relating to their lived experiences. 

The following shaped their experience:  

1. Embracing Diversity: Each participant brought their unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Through shared stories and open dialogue, they discovered that despite their differences, their collective vision for a peaceful world transcended borders. It was a reminder that diversity is not a barrier but an enriching force that propels us forward.  

2. Inspirational speakers: The workshop’s success lay in the wisdom shared by remarkable speakers who generously imparted their knowledge and experiences. From expert peacebuilders to community members, giving a unique lens to peacebuilding; especially what it means to be promoters and practitioners of peace within their communities.  

3. Delving into peacebuilding: The sessions on various aspects of peacebuilding served as a compass, guiding peacebuilders towards a deeper understanding of conflict resolution, reconciliation, and sustainable development, among other topics. The exercises provided to foster introspection and understanding of conflict across the globe, equipped them with practical tools to navigate complex conflicts through mediation and dialogue facilitation, among other interventions. They learned the important lesson that peacebuilding is not a solitary act, but a collective endeavor that requires empathy, active listening, and the willingness to bridge divides. 

4. Site visits across Rwanda: The site visits across Rwanda were a poignant reminder of the country’s remarkable journey towards healing, unity, and reconciliation. Standing on the hallowed ground of memorial sites, the peacebuilders witnessed the devastating consequences of hatred and violence. One site visit involved hearing testimonies from survivors and former perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which invoked emotions and questions. These visits evoked a profound sense of responsibility within the peacebuilders, compelling them to carry the lessons of Rwanda back to their respective communities and strive for reconciliation. 

5. Seeds of Lifelong Connections: Beyond the wealth of knowledge gained, the workshop forged lifelong connections among participants. Late-night discussions, shared laughter, and moments of vulnerability created unbreakable bonds between them. These connections transcended cultural barriers and reinforced their beliefs in the power of collaboration. The peacebuilders departed with a global network of like-minded individuals, ready to support and uplift each other on their respective journeys as peacebuilders. 

The two-week peacebuilding workshop was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on all who participated; reinforcing NAR’s belief in the potential of young professionals and students to shape a more peaceful world. These young peacebuilders, carry forward a torch of unity, armed with newfound knowledge, and a deep commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and understanding. As they embark on their journey as peacebuilders, we look forward to continuing to work tirelessly to sow the seeds of peace in every corner of the world.