AE News

New Project in Rwanda:
Improved literacy through the education of youth in reconciliation

Most of us remember well the tragedy that took place in Rwanda in 1994. The violence between Hutus and Tutsis appeared soon after independence in 1962 due to the Belgian colonial policy of divide and rule. The violence erupted a number of times before reaching a horrific peak in the genocide of 1994.

Since the genocide the government has undertaken rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure and has initiated numerous development activities that are improving the standard of living among the poor. They are also investing significantly in reconciliation programs and AE Rwanda has been heavily involved in this work. Despite the efforts and the successes problems remain. Today 59% of the population still earns less than US$1 a day, 40% of the population cannot read or write (much lower in poorer urban areas and rural countryside) and the rate of HIV infection is 12%. The work of rebuilding must continue.

In the years prior to and following the genocide many children were refused the opportunity of basic education, either because of their ethnic background or because of geographical location. Even amongst those with more access to education, basic numeracy and literacy skills are not developed to the point where they promote the thinking and actions necessary for development of a society. It is clear that education, and particularly literacy, is vital if Rwanda is to address the magnitude of trauma experienced by children in the genocide, where almost 70% of children witnessed someone being killed or injured. AE Rwanda, in partnership with the Bible Society, is responding to this need by developing and implementing a literacy program focused on themes of reconciliation.

The objectives of the program are first, to improve the reading, writing and comprehension abilities of 102,000 school children over three years, and second, to increase knowledge of the word of God. AEE Rwanda has initiated discussions with 80 schools in towns where they have other projects. They plan to integrate this literacy project with a holistic approach to mission by establishing good links with schools and the community. The AE workers will identify five teachers from every school involved in the program (total 400) to be trained in the implementation of the program. Ten young people from each school (total 800) will also be trained to lead the program. The materials used in the literacy training will focus on the healing power of God and the notion that as people are reconciled with God through Jesus, they are also called to be reconciled with each other. The focus is on repentance, forgiveness, justice, peace and social harmony. A club will be planted in every participating school which encourages the children to act, sing, dance, draw and engage in sports as ways of fostering the themes drawn out of the literacy materials.

We are excited about the potential this program has to effect change that is both social and eternal – the kind of change that God calls us to effect as we proclaim his good news in the world. Please join us in praying for the ongoing success of this new project.