Empower Workshop: A Therapeutic program to Tackle Intergenerational Trauma and enhance family harmony

Seti Sylvain and Kamaliza Rosalie, a couple from Cyeza Sector, Muhanga District, had once lived a harmonious life, raising three children together. However, over time, love gave way to resentment, and their peaceful home turned into a battleground.

Rosalie reflects, “I thought the man I married was the best for me because I loved him so much. But eventually, I fell out of love, and the situation worsened.” The couple fought frequently, leading to a complete breakdown in communication. Sylvain confesses, “I no longer saw her as a wife, I saw her as an enemy.”

The introduction of alcohol compounded the problem, leading to physical altercations and interventions by local authorities. “I used to drink for three days straight. I thought alcohol was the solution,” Rosalie admitted. The domestic violence spiraled to the point where Rosalie was temporarily imprisoned. Despite such drastic consequences, the core issues remained unresolved.

Seti Sylvain and his wife, Kamaliza Rosalie, smiled with joy after restoring their marriage through the Empower Workshop.

A similar pattern emerged in the family of Bihezande Zabulon and Uwayesu Anastasie from Kamonyi District. After five years of marriage, their relationship was marked by frequent quarrels, separations, and emotional withdrawal. “My wife would leave and go to her parents’ home,” Zabulon shared. “Even though we were married, I had no hope of a future together.”

Bihezande Zabulon and Uwayesu Anastasie

A young couple facing marital challenges found support through CARSA’s Empower Workshop, which helped them resolve their conflicts and restore harmony in their relationship.

Negative Impact on Children and Economic Stability

Family conflict takes a devastating toll on children. Sylvain and Rosalie’s eldest child, aged 17, dropped out of school and ran away from home. “We failed to care for her,” Rosalie admits. “She ended up with an unplanned pregnancy, all because we didn’t provide a safe, supportive environment.”

The effects of unresolved conflict extend beyond emotional trauma. In Rwanda, family discord is a leading cause of extreme poverty. Without unity, couples fail to plan, manage finances wisely, or build toward a shared future. “Each person used the family's resources as they pleased,” said Anastasie. “There was no common vision, which kept us in poverty.”

Empower Workshop: A Pathway to Healing and Strengthening Family Bonds

In the heart of Rwanda, where family remains the cornerstone of community and national development, unresolved intra-family conflict continues to threaten household harmony, economic growth, and children's well-being. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions, the Empower Workshop—a transformative initiative by CARSA in partnership with Compelled By Love; has emerged as a beacon of hope for struggling families.

The Empower Workshop is a seven-day, monthly program focused on trauma healing, biblical teachings, counseling, and intra-family communication. It equips couples with practical tools to rebuild trust, foster empathy, and set collective goals.

Both Sylvain’s and Zabulon’s families attended the workshop, which marked a turning point in their lives.

Sylvain shared, “We were on the brink of separation. But through the workshop, we uncovered the roots of our conflict and began to heal.” Rosalie added, “We learned to communicate and plan together. Now, when we have money, we sit down and decide how to use it to benefit the whole family.”

Anastasie echoed similar sentiments: “Before, we didn’t talk. Now, we consult each other about everything. It has changed our lives.” With newfound hope, her family invested in home improvements and livestock—tangible signs of a brighter future.

Zabulon reflects, “This program gave me confidence and purpose. It taught me how to live intentionally with my wife. Now, there is peace in our home.”

Zabulon and his wife proudly display the potatoes they grew after attending the Empower workshop, as they prepare to take them to market to earn money for their family's needs.

At amidst of seven-day Empower Workshop

Sylvain and Rosalie received their Empower workshop completion certificates from the executive director on the right and the project coordinator on the left.

Addressing the Root Causes of Conflict

According to the 2023 Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Citizen Scorecard, family conflict is the leading threat to household cohesion, cited by 22.3% of respondents. The report also highlights alcohol abuse (85.4%), poor communication (81.3%), and ineffective parenting (58.9%) as primary causes of family dysfunction.

These issues hinder mental well-being, disrupt household responsibilities, and entrench poverty. Without pragmatic intervention like the Empower Workshop, they perpetuate a cycle of suffering and lost potential.

A Vision for the Future

Empower Workshop is more than just a training; it is a movement for change. It helps families not only survive but thrive. By promoting resilience, shared values, and sustainable development strategies, CARSA and its partners are reshaping family life in Rwanda.

As more families like those of Sylvain and Zabulon step into healing and restoration, there is renewed hope for the future—one where love, respect, and purpose replace conflict and despair.

Following their participation in Empower, the Zebron family purchased several hens as a step toward self-sustainability and family development.

Anastasie depicts her certificate

Syvain in self-discovery dialogue along with Empower Facilitator

Sylvain and Rosalie shared their inspirational testimony at the conclusion of the Empower Workshop.