Peace Education Initiative Rwanda

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.

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 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.

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.