How a Nation Healed and Rebuilt—Together
Thirty years ago, Rwanda was torn apart by the Genocide Against the Tutsi. Today, it is one of the world’s most powerful examples of reconciliation and national unity. At New Dawn Associates, we believe it is essential for visitors to understand this extraordinary journey—not just through history, but by meeting the people building peace every day.
Reconciliation villages are unique communities where genocide survivors and reformed perpetrators live side by side. These villages are not monuments—they are living, working communities where healing takes place every day through shared lives, mutual trust, and economic cooperation.
Jacqueline Mukamana lost her family in the genocide. Today, she lives next door to Mathias Sendegeya, one of the men who took part in the violence. Their story of forgiveness and shared rebuilding is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.
“He came to ask for forgiveness. I had nightmares about him. But I listened. Forgiving him freed my heart.”
— Jacqueline Mukamana, Mbyo Village resident
“Living near the people I hurt is not easy. But it is my duty to help them, to earn back some trust. That is how I make peace with my past.”
— Mathias Sendegeya, former perpetrator
Rwanda’s reconciliation didn’t happen by accident—it was built through bold national efforts:
“I went to sociotherapy full of anger. I came out understanding that healing wasn’t only for the victims—it was for all of us.” — Participant in the Mvura Nkuvure program
In Rwanda, culture is more than heritage—it is a powerful vehicle for healing and connection. Music, dance, storytelling, and shared rituals have been central in rebuilding relationships fractured by trauma.
Held each July at the outdoor amphitheater of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, this internationally acclaimed festival brings artists from around the world to explore themes of humanity, healing, and peace. Survivors and former perpetrators often share the same stage—expressing grief, hope, and forgiveness through powerful performance.
““Art makes it easier to talk about pain. It connects strangers through emotion. That is how we keep healing.”
— Hope Azeda, Festival Founder
Across Rwanda, local artists and youth groups create performances that confront genocide history and promote unity. These grassroots efforts have been vital in opening intergenerational dialogue in rural communities.
“Through music, we say things we cannot speak. The drums carry our sorrow and our strength.”
— Member of Mashirika Performing Arts Group
On the last Saturday of each month, millions of Rwandans take part in Umuganda, a national day of community service. What began as a civic cleanup program has become a social glue—rebuilding trust through shared labor and neighborly cooperation.
“Through music, we say things we cannot speak. The drums carry our sorrow and our strength.”
— Reverend Bernard Bucyana, Founder of Prison Fellowship Rwanda
In reconciliation villages and genocide survivor cooperatives, traditional basket weaving (Agaseke), pottery, and farming are not just economic activities—they’re collective acts of recovery. Many crafts symbolize peace, forgiveness, and renewal.
Rwanda’s reconciliation is not just a national story—it’s a deeply human one. Visiting these communities provides perspective, humility, and a rare opportunity to witness how peace is built, brick by brick.
At New Dawn Associates, we offer carefully curated experiences where you can meet the people behind these stories, guided by trained interpreters who understand the sensitivity and power of each moment.
Come see how Rwanda has risen from its darkest days—not just through resilience, but through radical acts of forgiveness. Let us help you connect with the people and places leading this quiet revolution of hope.
Visit the Reconcilliation Village with us as part of the Millenium Village Experience or contact us to build a custom itinerary.
