CHRISTIAN ACTION for RECONCILIATION AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
CHRISTIAN ACTION for RECONCILIATION AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
Seeds of Peace
WELCOME TO CARSA
After genocide ideology and division sown by former government leaders and colonial powers led to the 1994 Rwandan genocide against Tutsi, the nation was almost destroyed in all areas of life. Infrastructure was destroyed, families were torn apart, and the nation was left brokenhearted, hopeless, fearful, guilty, and suspicious.
Over two decades have passed since the genocide was perpetrated against Tutsi and Rwanda has developed and rebuilt the nation in incredible ways. However, restoring the broken relationships and addressing the consequences of that brokenness is a process that is ongoing.
CARSA sees a society where genocide survivors and their direct offenders are reconciled- where peace and unity flourish above all. This seemingly impossible reality is occurring through CARSA’s various initiatives that address the holistic needs of reconciliation and healing in post-genocide Rwanda. CARSA exists to reconnect genocide victims and their offenders, empower youth for sustainable peace-building, empower communities out of poverty, and disciple children as followers of Christ.
A Comprehensive Program: Designed for Healing
The different initiatives that CARSA offers to the communities it serves can be summarized in 6 programs
TRAUMA HEALING & RECONCILIATION
Reconciling genocide survivors and their direct perpetrators through healing and reconciliation workshopsWORKSHOPS for HEALING
COW FOR PEACE
Fostering reconciliation through a creative 3-step approachA Creative Solution
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Providing clean water, housing, and education sponsorshipSelf Empowerment
PEACE EDUCATION
Empowering youth as Peace-builders through youth clubs, sports, debate, and artsWorking for Peace
HIGH 5 RWANDA
Training teachers and kids to be committed disciples of ChristHigh 5 in a Nutshell
MUGINA PEACE FARM
Modeling a sustainable vision for crop production, animal husbandry and forestryA Working Farm
Why Not Get Involved
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like further information or wish to contribute to the work of CARSA.
The CARSA Impact
How CARSA Supports Communities
CARSA offers 6 major initiatives to the communities it serves.
After participating in workshops, survivors and offenders of the genocide form cell groups of 20-30 people. These groups meet regularly to share their experiences and support each other in their daily needs, and they serve as the nucleus for community transformation.
Your donations to CARSA will help to supply transportation, materials, training and workshops.
Read more about OUR APPROACH
and the various PROGRAMS
Research & Partnership
Research & Documentation
In partnership with different universities in the US, CARSA is involved in research projects seeking to grow in the understanding of the remaining consequences of the 1994 genocide, as well as to evaluate and improve its initiatives in contributing to the restoration and development of Rwandan communities.
The currently research project is an evaluation of CARSA’s Cow for Peace project. It is done over a period of 20 month in order to investigate the impact of the shared cow in the reconciliation process between survivors and their direct perpetrators.
Research Performed
The two attached documents contain the outcomes of research entitled:
Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology 2016
Partnership
CARSA highly values its partnerships with churches, organizations and universities who are also captivated by the call to promote reconciliation and healing in Rwanda. In fact, these partnerships are seen as friendships where there is support, mutual understanding and personal involvement. Due to the personal nature of reconciliation work, CARSA needs long term invested volunteers to support its work, as well as groups passionate about spreading the word of CARSA’s work in Rwanda. See GET INVOLVED for ways to partner with CARSA.
