Peace Education Initiative Rwanda

Four months into our 6-month tailoring training program, the trainees at PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda Vocational Training School are showing inspiring and tangible progress. The program brings together teen mothers, youth from genocide survivor families, former perpetrators, and other vulnerable community members, creating a powerful space for learning, healing, and inclusion.
What began with basic tailoring skills has now grown into strong practical competencies. Trainees can confidently make different styles of clothes, operate sewing machines, take accurate measurements, cut fabrics, and produce quality garments that meet market standards. Their growing confidence and professionalism clearly show that they are ready to graduate and compete in the labor market.
With only two months remaining, the trainees are focusing on perfecting finishing techniques, improving design quality, and preparing for graduation and self-employment. So far, their journey reflects commitment, resilience, and real transformation.
We are proud of their progress and grateful for the support of local authorities and partners. Through this initiative, PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda continues to promote skills development, reconciliation, and sustainable livelihoods for all.

Recently, our Executive Director, Albert Rutikanga, proudly represented PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda at the Opportunity Collaboration (OC) gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, an extraordinary global platform that convenes hundreds of changemakers, innovators, and leaders dedicated to addressing poverty and advancing justice worldwide.

The event provided a vibrant space for collaboration, meaningful dialogue, and the exchange of bold ideas. It brought together philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and impact investors committed to building a more equitable world. For PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda, OC offered a powerful opportunity to connect with visionary partners, share our peace education approach to empowering youth and communities, and learn from organizations creating tangible impact across the globe.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Woven Foundation for their generous support in making this participation possible. Your continued confidence in our mission strengthens our resolve, deepens our learning, and fuels our commitment to driving positive change.

Recently, our time in Europe offered unforgettable moments of learning, connection, and deep reflection. After gathering with fellow grassroots leaders in Paris, France, we continued our journey to Amsterdam, Netherland, where we had the profound opportunity to visit the Anne Frank Museum.
Walking through the rooms where Anne Frank lived in hiding was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of protecting dignity, freedom, and human rights for all. The museum’s exhibits, personal writings, and preserved spaces offered an emotional and educational experience that continues to shape our perspective as peace educators.
Standing in the Secret Annex, seeing Anne’s handwritten words, and learning more about her family’s story strengthened our commitment to fostering understanding, empathy, and tolerance among the young people and communities we serve. The visit was not just historical, it was a call to action to continue promoting peace, compassion, and justice in our daily work.
We remain deeply grateful for the meaningful moments shared in France during the East Africa Community of Practice (CoP) gathering, and equally moved by the lessons and memories gained in Amsterdam. These experiences reinforced how connection, history, and shared humanity guide our efforts toward building peaceful and resilient communities.
Together, we carry forward the inspiration, knowledge, and renewed purpose from this journey as we continue strengthening the impact of peace education.

Over recent days, our team had the privilege of joining an inspiring regional Community of Practice (CoP) gathering in Paris, bringing together mission-driven grassroots organizations from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The convening, supported by the Woven Foundation, united CoP member organizations—each represented by their CEOs—into one collaborative space. The gathering created a meaningful environment for deeper insight, honest dialogue, and mutual encouragement as we pursue a shared mission to uplift our communities. We reflected on human rights implementation across our regions and received an insightful presentation on how the CoP operates, strengthening our understanding and alignment as partners. Listening to each organization’s journey, seeing the dedication behind their work, and feeling the unity in the room reaffirmed that collaboration multiplies impact. We warmly appreciate the Woven Foundation for offering this rare and valuable moment for connection, growth, and shared commitment. With this strengthened sense of unity, we step forward with renewed energy toward long-term transformation.

PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda

We are proud to support community-driven efforts that restore dignity and improve living conditions. With our support, the community has successfully rehabilitated:

3 houses: ensuring safe shelter and dignity for families.
5 latrines: improving sanitation and promoting healthier living.
4 kitchen houses: creating safe spaces for food preparation and better nutrition.

At PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda, we believe that true change happens when communities are empowered. This achievement is more than construction, it is about healing, resilience, and collective progress.

We thank our partners, supporters, and community members for making this possible. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more united Rwanda.

PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda is committed to building resilient and self-reliant communities.
We distributed 70 goats to vulnerable families in Rukara Sector, Kayonza District. This initiative was made possible through the strong collaboration with local authorities, who helped in selecting families most in need.
Why goats?
Because goats provide more than just food. They are a source of income, organic fertilizer, and long-term sustainability. For many rural households, a single goat can lead to improved nutrition, access to school fees, or even the beginning of a small livestock business.
“This goat is not just an animal, it is hope. I’ll be able to support my children,” said one mother during the distribution.
We believe that true development starts by restoring dignity and creating opportunities where they are needed most.
We thank the leadership of Rukara Sector and the Vice Mayor of Social Affairs for their continued partnership.

Empowering Through Skills!
PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda has officially launched a 6-month tailoring training program for 30 selected beneficiaries in Rukara Sector, Kayonza District.
The program was officially opened by the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs and aims to equip participants mostly youth and women with hands-on tailoring skills.
At the end of the training, each beneficiary will receive a tailoring machine to support their journey toward self-employment and economic resilience.
With this initiative, we continue to invest in sustainable livelihoods and community empowerment.
We are grateful for the support of local authorities in making this possible.

PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda has provided health insurance for 1,000 vulnerable community members through a support fund of 3 million RWF.
The cheque was officially handed over in the presence of the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs – Kayonza District and the Executive Secretary of Rukara Sector.
This support strengthens access to health services and affirms our commitment to dignity and well-being for all.
In partnership with local leaders, we continue to work towards inclusive and resilient communities.

PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda proudly joined hands with Dorcas Consolation Family (DCF) and Hope of Family for an enriching three-day Leadership Corner, made possible through the visionary support of the Woven Foundation. This powerful gathering brought together leaders at every level from executive directors to field teams and community voices to engage in deep reflection, meaningful dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. The sessions focused on improving transparency in grassroots programs, nurturing trust and collective leadership, and strengthening partnerships through shared values. What stood out most was the intentional design that encouraged peer-to-peer learning and inclusive conversations, reinforcing our belief that real impact begins with local leadership. We are truly grateful to the Woven Foundation for not only supporting our work but also creating spaces where unity, purpose, and community-driven change can thrive.

PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda organized the Youth Club-Based Interschool Competition on Human Rights Education, Genocide Prevention, and Peace Building, under the powerful theme: “Empowering Youth for a Just and Peaceful Future!” This impactful event brought together students from youth clubs from schools of Kayonza District and Kigali City affiliated to PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda, offering them a platform to express their voices and showcase their knowledge on key societal issues. The competition featured three main activities debate, poetry, and essay writing, all focused on promoting human rights, preventing genocide, and fostering a culture of peace among the youth.

Through powerful debates, touching poems, and thoughtful essays, participants demonstrated a deep understanding of justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. This event was not just a contest, but a meaningful opportunity for learning, reflection, and empowerment. It reaffirmed our belief that when youth are educated and engaged, they become strong advocates for a peaceful and inclusive society.

We are thrilled to congratulate the winners of each category: FAWE Girls’ School Gisozi in Kigali took first place in debates, GS Ntora Kigali won the poetry category with a moving performance, and FAWE Girls’ School Gahini in Kayonza emerged as the winner in essay writing.

We commend all the participants for their outstanding contributions and thank the teachers and schools who continue to support PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda through their active involvement in youth clubs. Together, we are building a generation of peace ambassadors committed to shaping a just and peaceful Rwanda.

In a world where peace is often taken for granted, the past continues to teach us invaluable lessons. At PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda, we believe that the youth are not only the future but also the present architects of a peaceful society. This belief inspired our recent initiative: facilitating an educational and transformative visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for youth affiliated with PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda.
During the visit, young people stood face-to-face with the echoes of history learning about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a tragic chapter that claimed over a million lives. Guided through powerful exhibits, testimonies, and the eternal flame of remembrance, the youth came to understand the devastating consequences of hatred, division, and silence.
Why These Visits Matter on behalf of PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda,
🔹 Fostering Empathy and Compassion: The stories of loss and survival ignite a deep emotional understanding, reminding youth that behind every number is a human life.
🔹 Promoting Critical Thinking and Dialogue: These memorial visits open space for conversations about identity, justice, forgiveness, and healing conversations that help youth question and dismantle prejudice.
🔹 Empowering Youth as Peace Ambassadors: By connecting with the reality of the past, young participants gain a renewed commitment to Never Again. They return to their communities inspired to advocate for peace, unity, and mutual respect.
🔹 Healing Through Storytelling: Many of the youth who joined the visit had never truly processed their own family histories. Engaging with testimonies and guided reflections helps in personal healing and collective reconciliation.
🔹 Cultivating National Pride and Responsibility: Understanding the resilience of Rwanda post-genocide strengthens youth identity and pride while instilling a deep sense of responsibility to protect the values of unity and reconciliation.
At PeacEdu Initiative Rwanda, we do not simply tell youth to be peacebuilders, we equip them with lived experiences, knowledge, and emotional insight to lead with purpose.