Activity Report 2024

Chair’s Foreword

It is with great honour that I present to you the Annual Report for 2024 reflecting on our organization’s progress and the transformative impact of our initiatives in Rwanda. This year has been a remarkable journey, marked by the successful implementation of two major projects—Peace Education and Trauma Healing. These programs have been instrumental in fostering resilience, unity, and empowerment within the communities we serve.

Peace Education has been at the heart of our efforts to promote coexistence, mutual understanding, and reconciliation. Through a targeted training session, and a workshop, we have equipped participants with conflict mitigation skills , nonviolent communication techniques, and a deepened appreciation of peacebuilding principles. We have witnessed first-hand the remarkable shifts in attitudes  as individuals and communities embraced realities about their past in relation to divisions as they embark of strengthening a culture of non-violence for sustainable peace.

Similarly, our Trauma Healing program has provided much-needed psychological support to individuals and families affected by past and present adversities. We have worked with people in their communities whereby we offered trainings on specific topics like psychoeducation in the local context,  enhancement of trauma healing capacities, building resilience, making use of own life experiences of the people. Specifically, participants were empowered with first-hand knowledge by specialists from the Netherlands.

The success of these initiatives would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our dedicated team, partners, and supporters. We are deeply grateful to every stakeholder who has played a role in making these projects a reality. Our collaboration has strengthened our capacity to drive meaningful change, and we remain steadfast in our mission to create a world where peace and mental well-being are accessible to all.

As we move forward, A Cup for Humanity remains committed to expanding our impact, building sustainable peace, and ensuring that communities have the resources they need to heal and thrive. This report stands as a testament to what we have achieved together and a call to continue our efforts in the years ahead.

With gratitude and optimism,

Aad van den Boss                                                                                                              

Chair, A Cup for Humanity

Report Summary

A Cup for Humanity’s strategy for 2024 focused on promoting peace and community healing as stipulated in its mission and strategic objectives. To achieve this, the organization is prioritized two key sectors:

1. Peace Education
2. Trauma Healing

In addition to these core focus areas, A Cup for Humanity is dedicated to integrating broader community development initiatives, including support for income-generating projects, child well-being programs, and reproductive health initiatives. These efforts are designed to holistically advance our mission by fostering sustainable livelihoods, protecting vulnerable populations, and promoting overall community resilience.

Our  Impact Map

Peace Education

In line with A Cup for Humanity’s commitment to fostering peace, reconciliation, and community healing, a specialized training program on mental health and peace education was conducted for former convicts of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This initiative aimed to empower former convicts with basic knowledge about root causes of violence, psychological well-being , and conflict resolution skills to support their reintegration into society. In 2024 we directly trained 25 former convicts in the southern province of Rwanda. Beyond knowledge dissemination, the training offered a safe space for participants to share their lived experiences in relation to violence. Most of the participants expressed traumatic experiences concerning their past, acknowledging the emotional burden they continue to carry and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society.

Key Outcomes

• Increased awareness of root causes of violence
• Participants reported a better understanding of emotional healing and reconciliation
• Strengthened commitment to fostering peace in their communities
• Creation of a non-judgemental space that fosters trust and openness

Mental health remains a critical component of overall well-being and community development. As part of our ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and education, we conducted a series of trainings in three key locations: Huye, Nyamata, and Kigali. These trainings aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in mental health awareness, support systems, and intervention strategies.

Trauma Healing

Mental health remains a critical component of overall well-being and community development. As part of our ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and education  we conducted a series of trainings in three key locations: Huye, Nyamata, and Kigali. These trainings aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in mental health awareness, building mental health resilience and support groups and visiting teams that we trained in the previous year.

1. Huye

In Huye we conducted training for a new group of 30 participants equipping them with fundamental knowledge on mental health related issues,  coping mechanisms, and support strategies. In addition to this we engaged with 30 former trainees to assess the impact of previous training, provide refresher sessions, and gather feedback for future improvements. The interaction with former trainees was particularly valuable in understanding the long-term influence of our training programs.

2. Nyamata

Our training in Nyamata focused on introducing 25 new participants to key mental health related issues, coping mechanisms and basic support strategies. The sessions emphasized the importance of mental health in personal and community well-being, early detection of mental health issues, and strategies for intervention. The enthusiasm and engagement of participants highlighted the growing awareness and need for such training in the region.

3. Kigali

In Kigali, we trained 25 church leaders from the Presbyterian Church. The training covered topics such as mental health related issues, stigma reduction, psychological first aid, and faith-based approaches to mental well-being. Church leaders expressed a strong commitment to integrating mental health awareness into their pastoral and community outreach efforts. Being mindful of their influential role in community, church leaders received training on peace education. Both themes were facilitated by specialists  from the Netherlands.

Training Approach

Our training sessions employed a mix of interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises. The program covered:

• Basics of mental health and well-being
• Common mental health problems related to trauma and their signs
• Coping strategies and resilience-building
• Role of community and faith-based organizations in mental health support
• Referral pathways and professional mental health services

Outcomes and Feedback

• Participants in all locations reported increased awareness and confidence in addressing mental health issues within their communities.
• Former trainees in Huye showcased significant progress in applying mental health knowledge in their respective roles.
• Church leaders in Kigali expressed commitment to incorporating mental health education in their ministries.
• The need for continued support and follow-up training sessions was strongly emphasized across all locations.

Recommendations

1. Follow-up training: Regular refresher courses and advanced training for former participants to enhance knowledge retention and application.
2. Community engagement: Establishing peer-support groups in trained communities to sustain mental health advocacy efforts.
3. Collaboration with stakeholders: Partnering with local organizations faith groups and health institutions to expand the reach and impact of mental health training.
4. Resource Development: Creating and distributing educational materials tailored to different community groups for ongoing learning.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda hosted two sessions on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) training for couples and young people. The training focused on providing participants with basic reproductive health knowledge, understanding contraception options, and promoting hygiene practices essential for maintaining sexual and reproductive health. This initiative was designed to address key health concerns and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. The trainings were facilitated by Jannetta Boss, a psychologist and sexologist from the Netherlands. In total 60 people attended.

Key Topics Covered

• Basic reproductive health knowledge: Including the anatomy of the reproductive system, menstrual cycles, and common reproductive health issues.
• Contraception: Various methods of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, condoms, injectables, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), were discussed. Emphasis was placed on understanding the importance of family planning and reproductive rights.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Participants were informed about common STIs, their symptoms, prevention methods, and the importance of regular screenings.
• Hygiene: Special focus was placed on menstrual hygiene management, proper sanitation practices, and personal hygiene routines to prevent infections.

6. Outcomes and Impact

• Knowledge enhancement: Participants gained a deeper understanding of sexual and reproductive health, including practical knowledge on contraception and hygiene.
• Increased awareness: The training contributed to greater awareness of sexual health issues, which were previously considered taboo in some communities.
• Behavioural change: Several participants reported intentions to adopt healthier reproductive health practices, including improved hygiene and family planning decisions.
• Community support: Couples and young people expressed appreciation for the opportunity to openly discuss reproductive health matters, fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

7. Challenges encountered

• Cultural Sensitivity: Discussing topics like contraception and sexual health in a conservative setting posed some initial challenges, but the facilitators addressed this through respectful religious and culturally sensitive approaches.
• Access to contraceptives: Although the training provided valuable information, participants highlighted the need for better access to contraceptive methods in their local communities.

8. Recommendations

• Follow-up sessions: Regular follow-up sessions to reinforce the knowledge gained and provide continued support for implementing healthy practices.
• Improved access to contraceptives: Collaborate with local health facilities to ensure that affordable and accessible contraceptive options are available to participants.
• Community outreach: Increase outreach efforts to target more remote communities and involve local leaders in advocating for reproductive health education.
• Inclusive training: Organize sessions specifically tailored for different age groups and gender to ensure comprehensive education.

Impact Story

“I can  see the light! Before attending this training, I had many questions about mental health that I couldn’t answer. I often felt lost and confused. Today, I see things more clearly—my confusion is gone. I now understand the best way to handle mental health challenges, both for myself and those around me. I am excited to share this knowledge with my family, and I truly wish that more people could access this kind of life-changing information.” A lady’s testimony after attending a three day training on mental health related issues in Huye

“I was accused of genocide crimes and spent 15 years in prison. After serving my sentence, I returned to society, but I felt rejected and stigmatized. This training has given me a safe space to speak, reflect, and seek healing. More importantly, it has helped me understand the gravity of my past actions. I deeply regret my role in what happened in 1994, and I wish I could turn back time—I would never follow the crowd again. Today, I want to take responsibility and express my sincere apologies.” A former convict for genocide crime who attended our peacebuilding training in Huye

“Rwanda remains a wounded society. While the country has made remarkable progress over the past 30 years since the genocide, there is still much work to be done—especially in the area of mental health. This training presents a valuable opportunity for our church leaders to gain the skills needed to address the challenges within their communities. We are hopeful that this collaboration will continue, allowing us to expand our efforts and provide even more training in the future.” Reverend Pascal Bataringaya, President of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda.