Every year, the Rwandan community comes together to commemorate the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. It’s now 30 years since  Rwanda’s history was interrupted by the atrocities of the genocide. Families were torn apart, children became orphans, mothers watched their children being killed by neighbors, and fathers left their families.

During the genocide, I participated in killing many people, among other relatives from the families of two women who were here in the workshop. When the genocide was stopped, I was arrested and put in prison, where I spent 11 years. While in prison, I had time to reflect on what I did and realized how I was so cruel.

Six months ago, we had shared about two young girls, Uwicyenda Jacqueline and Dusabirane Josephine from underprivileged backgrounds who after many years were able to resume their education journey.  They are now finishing second term of tailoring in Vocational School with the hope of gaining employable skills that will earn them a living and support their families after the program.

Usengumuremyi Venuste is 57 years old, married with 6 children, and lives in Nyarubaka Sector of Kamonyi District. Venuste solitary survived as his entire family slayed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He left with nothing, as all his people and properties were exterminated, and his heart was extremely wounded. People used to call him a fool; a madman.

Evariste Sibomana, 54 from Nyarusange Sector in Muhanga District was sentenced for 12 years for killing the mother of Rwamucyo Narcisse during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, and he does not regret having gone to jail because he “deserved it.”

This January from 08th to 18th 2024, CARSA efficaciously hosted 3 staff from Compelled By Love (CBL), an Australian-based organization. The journey aimed at strengthening the existing partnership and learning more about the impact made from this long-run partnership.

In Rwanda, a country that has experienced immense trauma following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, CARSA’s Empower Program became a stellar space to provide a conducive environment for survivors and perpetrators to walk together in wound debridement, enhanced social cohesion, and social-economy development to build their common better future.

Through the generous partnership of CARSA and Compelled By Love (CBL), CARSA erected modern shelters for vulnerable families from Mugina Sector of Kamonyi district. The families were identified by the local authorities and proposed to CARSA due to its dire need for healthy and decent housing.

To create a better world for these children from disadvantaged backgrounds who are unable to afford the necessities of their education, CARSA, through a partnership with Compelled By Love (CBL), an Australian-based organization, initiated the Education Partnership program.

CARSA aims to build a society that understands the consequences of genocide by focusing on preventing man's inhumanity to man. We believe that peace education and teaching young people how to prevent Genocide and mass atrocities is crucial in making a brighter future.

Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance (CARSA) was created in 2004 and is registered as Local NGO which aims to support communities in Rwanda in their journey towards healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and holistic development.

How CARSA’s Peace Farming Program bolsters farmers’ livelihoods and Climate-Smart Agriculture

Today, more than 29 years have passed since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a violent tragedy that not only left over a million innocent lives dead, but also shattered social cohesion, trust, and unity among Rwandans.

CARSA's Initiatives enhance reconciliation, trauma healing, and cohesion among Genocide Survivors and perpetrators