This talk should be of interest to the Change community. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nick Logler <nlogler@uw.edu> Date: Wed, Apr 26, 2017 at 10:04 AM Subject: Research Symposium: Dr. Nkurunziza (4/27, 3:30-5pm, Allen Auditorium) ===================================================== Please join us for the next iSchool Research Symposium: *Dr. Nkurunziza *from* Never Again Rwanda* *Peace Building in Post Conflict Country: The Experience of a Rwandan NGO* Thursday, April 27, 2017 3:30-5:00pm Allen Auditorium If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Nkurunziza, please contact Nick Logler nlogler@uw.edu *Abstract* *Peace Building in a Post Conflict Country: The Experience of a Rwandan NGO* *Building lasting peace in war-torn societies is among the most daunting of challenges for global peace and security* *-United Nations* Broken relationships, hatred, trauma, poverty, family conflict and anger were some of the effects resulting from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. After that dark past that left the country torn and its citizens having fear and doubts on their sleeves, it was hard to imagine that peace and stability would be possible again. But due to the government and other stakeholders relentless commitment to peace building - through home grown solutions such as Gacaca courts which provided justice for victims - the dream of peace and reconciliation is coming true. Twenty-three years down the line Rwanda is considered as one of the countries in Africa that is making tremendous progress. However, with the increase in development, there is a need for provision of accurate historical information about the past and resources to reach out to a wider population in order to create a sustainable impact across the population as a whole in order to avoid past mistakes. The challenges for peace building continue to be widespread across the entire population in Rwanda, with the younger generation particularly at risk in ways that could both hinder their future progress and lead to various forms of manipulation. In this talk, I will examine specific peacebuilding approaches for youth and adults in post genocide Rwanda and highlight some of the possible ways that have been used to overcome consequences of the genocide. In particular, I will discuss Never Again Rwanda's approach to peacebuilding and the relevant adoption of home-grown solutions, initiative that are unique to the country's history, the Rwandan culture, traditional practices, and value systems. Such consideration are paramount in addressing challenges left behind by the genocide against the Tutsi. *Biographical Information* Joseph Ryarasa Nkurunziza, is a medical doctor with over 10 years’ experience in the clinical field, Public health and Peace Building. He is currently the Country Director of Never Again Rwanda, a peace building organization that promotes human rights and advocating peace among the Rwandan youth and the population at large. He has also initiated projects that engage Youth in the Democratic Process in Rwanda, which are implemented in some Rwandan high schools and higher institutions of learning that aim at helping to provide the nation’s youth with the skills to make informed decisions in governance and human rights and raise interest in national policy issues and leadership. Dr. Nkurunziza’s work in Rwanda gives young people the guidance, encouragement and knowledge to be active citizens. Dr. Nkurunziza is also the Board Director and Co-Founder of Health Development Initiative-Rwanda (HDI), a local NGO committed to improving the health of disadvantaged populations across Rwanda. He has worked extensively with international organizations and Rwandan civil society, and is closely connected to members of the government, international agencies, and local communities. Previously he served as the Clinical Services Specialist for the Department of Defence at the US Embassy in Rwanda from 2011 until April 2016. He has supervised and developed projects to empower and educate communities in health promotion and disease prevention specifically in HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB.In November 2010 Joseph was honored by Junior Chambers International as one of the 2010 ten outstanding young persons of the world in Osaka Japan.