Reconciliation Villages Making Possible the Impossible

What is a Reconciliation Village?

There is nothing that speaks to the power of forgiveness like the Reconciliation Village: Perpetrators and victims who came face-to-face during the brutal events of the genocide have chosen to acknowledge the mistakes of the past and commit to living out the future together in peace. They have, in fact, gone beyond forgiveness. They have made a choice not only to move forward, but also to move forward together as neighbors and friends. This extension of forgiveness is the essence of reconciliation. It seems impossible. It is, without God’s presence in the hearts and minds of Rwandans. It is God’s grace, provision, and love now reflected in the lives of the villagers that makes that these communities grow and thrive. Reconciliation is the key to restoring Rwanda in the aftermath of the genocide.

Thanks to PFR and several partner organizations, Rwanda is now home to 6 Reconciliation Villages in different parts of the rural countryside. Each villager has lived in poverty and conflict, whether within Rwanda or in neighboring countries. Villagers care for one another, tend to crops and livestock together, and sell the products from their farms in the markets to earn a profit. They create small businesses together to ensure stability of income. They are trained in efficient and effective farming methods; they participate in reconciliation and restorative justice workshops hosted by PFR; and they hold one another accountable. PFR visits the villages regularly to assess developments and needs and to encourage and pray for the residents. PFR continues to partner with Norwegian Church Aid and other organizations to make these villages successful communities that embody peace, transformation, and economic well-being.

The Rotation System

One of the hallmarks of these villages is the “rotation system” implemented to ensure a sustainable method of keeping and growing livestock. In this system, a villager receives a goat, cow, chicken, or other animal. The villager learns about the breeding process; the livestock produce offspring; the villager then gives the offspring to another villager. The recipient villager repeats this process, thereby “rotating” the livestock to different individuals and families in the villages [see woman in photo receiving calf from villager]. This system creates a sense of cooperation, unity, and accountability. It also proves an effective method for making livestock last in the villages and fosters self-reliance.

45 New Homes Built in Musanze Reconciliation Village

With PFR support, 45 new homes were constructed in Musanze Reconciliation Village in 2010. The village now has 182 homes in total, all built in an expansive valley among lush farm plots of cassava, tomatoes, and other crops. Genocide victims and perpetrators tend the land together, share meals together, and support one another as they learn the true meaning of reconciliation and forgiveness.

PFR recently provided each family in Musanze Reconciliation Village with one goat, which will serve to produce offspring to bring nutritious meals to the families in the village. PFR engages the villagers in discussions and trainings about reconciliation, gardening and breeding techniques, and family planning. PFR also works to supply fertilizer to the village to maximize crop yields. The villagers sell their produce to factories, cook for themselves, or sell it in markets and cooperatives.

Their Stories

Boniface BARIGERA: 44 years old

“My wife, five children, and I recently moved into one of the new houses here in Musanze Reconciliation Village. My family was living on the streets before coming here, displaced by poverty and the events of the genocide. We had nowhere to sleep, and we rarely had the opportunity to interact with others. Now, my family has a home. My children no longer have malaria. We live near water sources, a hospital, and other people. We are part of a supportive community.

When I came here, people welcomed me and helped me integrate into the community. I now live with others in peace. My life will never be the same."

Himana GENDA: 61 years old

“I arrived in Kigali in 2002 after fleeing the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This year, I moved into one of the new homes in Musanze with my wife and my four children. I have found unprecedented happiness here in the village. I live in a good house and have made good friends. By the grace of God, I am here.”

What Can I Do to Participate in Village Life?

• Pray for the perpetrators and victims living in the reconciliation villages. Pray that they continue to seek God’s will for their lives, understand His love, and live out His grace as they live and work together.

• Pray for the God’s direction and guidance for the PFR staff who continue to teach about reconciliation and productive cooperation in the villages. Pray also that PFR receives the financial support needed to continue to improve the lives of residents of the reconciliation villages.

• Make a financial contribution to one or more of the following:

o Construction of more houses in the reconciliation villages

o Installation of water pumps in the villages to bring clean drinking water to villagers

o Clothing for adults and children who live in the villages

o Reconciliation and Restorative Justice training materials

o Electricity for homes in the villages

Continue to visit PFR’s blog (prisonfellowshiprwanda.blogspot.com) to stay up-to-date on happenings in the Reconciliation Villages.