More than a quarter of a century after the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, “the memory of this highly traumatic event and the various tragedies associated with it continue to haunt Rwandans who have been affected directly and indirectly by the genocide. Massive emotions of fear, anger, sadness and depression are increasing, and there is a need of dealing with this issue so that people can heal from this painful past and build a peaceful future.

 

In connection that, the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (FTRS) at PIASS organized 3 days (22-24/03/2023) seminar on Trauma Healing and Peacebuilding for all students and staff of this Faculty. The seminar was facilitated by Mrs. Jane Snaith (the Chairperson of Family for Each Child/Igale Lapsele Pere in Estonia), and Dr. Muke Nagaju (the Dean of the FTRS)

By keeping in their minds that “trauma healing is a long journey”, participants of the seminar got an opportunity to discuss and share experiences on different subjects including but not limited to;

Ø  Meaning, Causes, types, symptoms and effects of trauma.

Ø  Brain and brain development.

Ø  Risk factors (of traumatic experiences) for emotional and behavioral problems.

Ø  Early childhood adversities and impact of traumatic experiences on development and the whole life Spam.

Ø  ACE’s-Adverse Childhood Experiences study.

Ø  Therapeutic      approaches for healing from childhood trauma- children and adults.

Ø  Trauma Healing from Biblical perspective and the role of the church.

As participants are the future pastors and church leaders, they discussed about what should be the role of the church (as an institution) in trauma healing process especially in Rwandan context. They also reflected on what should be their (individual) contribution to address that problem which is being transmitted to the young generations. In the context of trauma healing, the church is considered as a safe space where people can meet and talk about what happened, place for memory and also a place that helps people to get healed spiritually.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics Rev. Dr. Viateur Habarurema who delivered a closing remarks, referred to the world of God written in Mathew 5: 14 -16, and called the participants to share the knowledge they gained from the seminar. He asked them to accompany their church members as well as their community in the journey towards healing by being compassionate, and preaching messages of hope. He also reminded them to take care of their feelings and emotions so that they can be able to help others. “Taking care of your brain and heart, is a form of self-love”  He added.

They were urged to join their hands together as church people to make sure that we are part of the transformation in the journey of trauma healing.

Editor: Serge MUVUNYI