Peace education and peace building in Rwanda (case study of AEGIS Trust)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of Rwanda peace education program in Peacebuilding processes by referring to lessons provided by Aegis Trust. From 2013- 2016 AEGIS TRUST which is a UK based organization and which currently manages the Kigali genocide memorial on behalf of the Rwandan government, initiated Rwanda Peace Education program. The program came in as a support to the government in fighting genocide ideology which proved to be a challenge to the unity, reconciliation and peace building among Rwandans after the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. This research used qualitative approach. Interview was conducted using 30 selected participants for the research from RPEP participants, teachers and students. Purposive sampling was used to select participants represented in 2 categories; students, and teachers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data gathered from interviews. From the responses analyzed by the researcher found that participants of the program learned a lot from RPEP both teachers and students as illustrated in the responses and also some of the quotes shown in the study. The majority of participants agreed that they learned values and knowledge that they used to contribute back in the community in peace building