One of the cores of the Peacebuilding Institute is the PBI Workshop, which hosts both regional and international participants. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, PBI Workshops experienced challenges with some sessions canceled and others shifted to virtual platforms, but as soon as situations improved, the PBI Workshop planning was in full effect.

On May 16^th, a new cohort was convened, with 25 participants(14 male and 11 female) representing: Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. The diversity of our participants ensured that the peacebuilders being trained in this cycle represented various sectors. Participants represented initiatives such as: ending child labor, youth sensitization to culture, peacebuilding in media, the mining industry, and many more. With this kind of diversity represented, the PBI Workshop experience is one that was enriched through the depth, critical thinking, reflections and experiences of all participants.

As the participants settled into the PBI Workshop experience, it was clear that there was zeal, passion and excitement for the two week journey ahead. Many came in with ideas of what Rwanda would be like but all came in with an excitement to learn about the Rwandan peacebuilding journey, and use it as a point of reflection in thinking about their respective nations. As participants got accustomed to the new environment and interacting with new people, there was an instant connection amongst the participants. With representatives from various countries, backgrounds and cultures, it was refreshing to see how well the participants meshed with one another and did so with incredible enthusiasm.

Over the course of the two weeks, participants were going to visit various historical sites in Rwanda, including genocide memorials, the King’s Palace, and many more. During this time, they would also be interacting with several speakers who have had their own share of peacebuilding impact in their respective communities. Some of the speakers include, Never Again Rwanda’s Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Ryarasa, Rev. Canon Antoine Rutayisire and GIZ’s International Peace advisor Mia Sichelkow. These sessions covered bases such as the role of faith-based organization in peacebuilding, women in peacebuilding, governance aspects and causes and effects of genocide.

With a diversity of topics, outlooks, backgrounds and professions represented, it was certain that this cycle of the regional PBI Workshop was going to equip some amazing game changers in the peacebuilding sector. The PBI team continues to be energized and encouraged by seeing the visible impact that this workshop has on its participants and how they express their need to grow and develop themselves, their communities, their countries, and Africa at large.