The National Trauma Symposium, organized by the Rwanda Psychological Society in collaboration with the Imbuto Foundation and Never Again Rwanda, is scheduled from 12th to 14th December 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda. The symposium aims at reflecting on the past 30 years’ journey of resilience, documenting the lessons learned, best practices, challenges in trauma healing, and psychosocial support. The primary goal of the symposium is to formulate strategies that will build on previous recommendations, emphasize actionable research, and enhance collaboration in the mental health sector.
Rwanda’s history is marked by the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, inflicting deep physical and psychological trauma on both individuals and the nation. The aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi left a lasting mark on Rwandans, demanding significant efforts to address mental health challenges.
Reflecting on the progress made since the inaugural trauma symposium in 2019, significant improvements are visible. Notably, the emergence of private practice organizations and non-governmental organizations, as well as increased advocacy for donor engagement, laid the foundation for addressing mental health in Rwanda. H.E. Jeannette Kagame’s address at the symposium highlighted the importance of home-grown solutions and collaborative efforts in supporting survivors and individuals with psychological wounds in accessing mental health services.
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Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre is currently a Senator in the Senate of Rwanda. Professor of Psychology, he headed the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the former National University of Rwanda where he actively participated in the creation of the department of Clinical Psychology. His research is generally focused on the reconstruction of Rwanda after the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre led the Ibuka Collective for more than 10 years.
