April 24, 2008

Fourteen years ago, Rwanda plunged into hell. Is reconciliation and rebuilding at this point really possible?

I believe it is.

While significant strides have been made by existing and emerging leaders, the needs and opportunities within the "Land of a Thousand Hills" remain great. Not unlike this luxury home under construction, Rwanda hopes to build something grand. Yet, the scaffolding remains pretty shaky.

The key to Rwanda's success is, of course, their people. They are hopeful, eager, and unashamedly turning outward for help. Yet, many are young and new to positions of large responsibility.

This is what I saw and heard them say to be Rwanda's greatest opportunities:

Civic Leadership: When the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) took control of the country and ended the genocide, it imposed tight governmental controls to prevent subsequent waves of violence. From more than one source, I heard the current administration described as a "benevolent dictatorship" in which dissention is risky and reconciliation and rebuilding are the only options.

However, the Republic of Rwanda is now attempting to decentralize certain governmental functions, a critical step in building a true civil and democratic society. After a decade-plus of non-local decision making, current community, regional and district leaders are seeking knowledge and skills to help them better serve their constituents.

Vocational Training: With a very high unemployment rate, Rwanda is seeking to bridge the gap between a primary/secondary educational system that is inadequately preparing people for the workforce and a higher education system inaccessible to the vast majority. Kigali in particular is exploding with job opportunities. Construction is popping up everywhere, and new businesses are emerging. International companies want to migrate. Untapped export markets remain. Raw materials currently shipped out for manufacturing could be produced domestically.

The bottom line is that Rwanda realizes that it shouldn't have to turn to outside labor markets to build their own infrastructure and that far too many unemployed Rwandans are currently burdening the economy instead of contributing to it.

Judiciary Development: An already underdeveloped legal system was devastated by the genocide. With a mind boggling backlog of genocide trials and the relative absence of critical civil and criminal judicial processes and resources, it is difficult for Rwandans to seek justice and fairly resolve legal disputes. People understand that the need to develop a more solid legal infrastructure is becoming increasingly important as the country moves more and more into international partnerships and trade.

Public Planning: The opportunity to own property in Rwanda is less than one year old. Little needs to be said about the significant implications this holds for the future of Rwanda, but it is important to note that the public planning of a progressive 21st century capital city of Kigali will need to consider cultural beliefs in which ancestral land has significant spiritual meanings.

Private Sector Development: As discussed throughout my postings, the emerging business entrepreneurs have incredible ideas and vision. But, they appreciate that their businesses are new and vulnerable. With a population in which less than 3% are over the age of 65, there are few seasoned professionals to mentor the next generation. In addition to solid traditional business practices, Rwandan business men and women are seeking specialized training, including how to effectively build public-private alliances.

NGO Capacity Building: Rwanda continues to receive significant financial contributions through the donor world, and the majority of this money is used to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that deliver a range of humanitarian services. Not unlike the large human services agencies with which the school partners, the NGOs in Rwanda are attempting to address large social problems with limited financial and human resources. They seek partnerships so they can do more with less, maximize the efficiency of their operations, and demonstrate their impact in the community.

Counselor Training: The opportunities for counselors in Rwanda are, unfortunately, without limit. Incredibly high rates of trauma, HIV/AIDS, and parentless children demand increased human service intervention. The Rwandan educational system understands that it is not equipped to sufficiently train the number and types of counselors it needs.

In addition to mental health treatment, the country seeks qualified psychology professionals to aid in ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Where is reconciliation still needed?

Between genocidaires and Imana (God). Between victims and Imana. Between survivors and the Church, some of whose leaders directly participated in the killings. Between both perpetrators and victims and the bazimu (the spirits of the dead), who under even ordinary circumstances are seen as malevolent, sad, and suffering. Between the ethnic groups. Between the Rwandan people and the governments that colonized them, assisted in the genocide, and turned their backs on them when they needed them the most.

Though there is no overt hostility seen in Rwanda, any reasonable person can appreciate and understand the lingering anger and guilt which, through their spiritual system, manifests in various forms and levels of fear.

Are Rwandans optimistic and committed to rebuild? Yes. Are they warm and friendly with each other? Yes. Are they working side-by-side and engaging in daily forgiveness? Yes.

Is their emotional work (and the emotional work of the generations to follow) done? How could it possibly be...?

While my trip to Rwanda has ended, I encourage you to stay tuned to this site as I explore different ways for people to get involved in the engagement work that I and the school are doing. In the meantime, I leave you with a few questions for either private reflection or public comment:

Do you think a genocide like this could ever happen again? [If unsure or think not, Google "Darfur"]

With a country so open for assistance, how can you make a difference (no matter how great or small)?

What can you take from your learnings about Rwanda and apply to your own work in the community?