Activiteitenverslag 2025

by with No Comment Activity Report

activity report 2025

Overzicht

In juni 2025  faciliteerde A Cup for Humanity twee trainingen in ‘Community based trauma healing’ in Nyamata en Huye. Het belangrijkste doel was het versterken en herstellen van de individuele en de collectieve veerkracht om met trauma gerelateerde problemen (na de genocide) om te gaan.

Naast de training schonk A Cup for Humanity een naaimachine aan de Nyamata-gemeenschap. Deze bijdrage maakt deel uit van een bredere strategie om traumagenezing te integreren met economische empowerment door inkomensgenererende activiteiten te ondersteunen en daarmee de veerkracht van de gemeenschap te vergroten.

Training Details

Voorbereidingstijd: Enkele weken voorafgaand aan de evenementen werden de voorbereidende taken voltooid, waaronder materiaalvoorbereiding, coördinatie met lokale partners, logistieke regelingen, vergaderingen enz.

Deelnemers:

Nyamata: 20 deelnemers

Huye: 28 deelnemers

Duur:

Nyamata: 4 dagen

Huye: 1 dag

Onderwerpen

Actieve luistervaardigheden: Deelnemers maakten kennis met de principes en technieken van actief luisteren, met een focus op empathie, niet-oordelende aanwezigheid en aandacht. Door middel van begeleide oefeningen en rollenspellen leerden ze hoe ze een veilige en ondersteunende omgeving kunnen creëren voor het delen van traumatische ervaringen.

Posttraumatische stress

De sessie was bedoeld om het bewustzijn te vergroten, stigmatisering te verminderen en ondersteunende reacties te bevorderen. De deelnemers maakten kennis met de belangrijkste symptomen en effecten van posttraumatische stress, met bijzondere aandacht voor hoe het zich in het dagelijks leven voordoet. Ze reflecteerden op persoonlijke of waargenomen ervaringen binnen hun gemeenschap en bespraken copingstrategieën.

Inleiding tot narratieve exposure therapie

Deelnemers maakten kennis met de belangrijkste principes van Narratieve Exposure Therapie (NET), een therapeutische benadering die is ontworpen om individuen te helpen een samenhangend chronologisch levensverhaal op te bouwen om zowel traumatische gebeurtenissen te verwerken als weer toegang te krijgen tot goede levenservaringen. De sessie benadrukte de therapeutische waarde van verhalen vertellen bij traumaherstel en moedigde de deelnemers aan om na te denken over hoe persoonlijke en collectieve verhalen genezing en veerkracht kunnen ondersteunen.

Hoofdpijn verlichtende oefeningen

Deelnemers kregen te zien hoe ze eenvoudige massagetechnieken van nek, schouders en hoofd kunnen toepassen om spanning te verlichten en de frequentie en intensiteit van hoofdpijn te verminderen. Hoofdpijn werd als een veel voorkomende klacht benoemd. De sessie benadrukte ook het verband tussen stress, spierspanning en hoofdpijn, en gaf praktische richtlijnen over hoe deze zelfzorgoefeningen kunnen worden geïntegreerd in dagelijkse routines om ontspanning en algeheel welzijn te bevorderen.

Hydratatie bewustzijn

Omdat ontdekt werd dat kennis over dit onderwerp ontbrak werd de cruciale rol van het drinken van voldoende water uitgelegd. In het bijzonder het belang van het consumeren van ten minste drie liter schoon water per dag, wat zal helpen om de algehele gezondheid te behouden en terugkerende hoofdpijn te voorkomen.

Seksueel geweld en ondersteuning van overlevenden

Deze sessie was gericht op de fysieke en emotionele genezing van overlevenden van seksueel geweld, met bijzondere aandacht voor het natuurlijke vermogen van het lichaam om cellen in de loop van de tijd te vernieuwen en te regenereren. De sessie benadrukte dat hoewel trauma blijvende effecten kan hebben, het vermogen van het lichaam om te genezen kan dienen als een krachtige herinnering aan veerkracht en vernieuwing. De discussie ging ook over het belang van veilige ruimtes en waar toegang te vinden is tot zorg na seksueel geweld.

Methodologie

De workshops maakten gebruik van een dialoog bevorderende benadering, waarbij deelnemers worden aangemoedigd om persoonlijke en gemeenschappelijke traumatische ervaringen te delen in een veilige, ondersteunende ruimte.

Activiteiten waren onder andere:

  • Life storytelling-sessies met visuele hulpmiddelen (bijv. het gebruik van poppetjes ter illustratie)
  • Gebeden, zang en dans als vormen van expressie en emotionele ontlading
  • Interactieve oefeningen om vertrouwen en veerkracht op te bouwen
  • Praktische demonstraties van zelfzorgtechnieken

Deze benadering bevorderde zowel individuele genezing als collectieve solidariteit.

Getuigenis 1.

“Nadat ik vorig jaar de traumagenezingstraining had gevolgd, kon ik een vriend steunen die op het punt stond zelfmoord te plegen vanwege een ernstige huwelijkscrisis. Ze bereidde zich voor om het huis te verlaten met de bedoeling een einde aan haar leven te maken. Op basis van wat ik heb geleerd over Narratieve Exposure Therapie, heb ik haar voorzichtig begeleid om zich te concentreren op positieve herinneringen. Concreet moedigde ik haar aan om na te denken over bloemen die in haar levensverhaal symbool staan voor goede herinneringen. Deze eenvoudige maar krachtige oefening hielp haar focus af te leiden van wanhoop. Uiteindelijk koos ze ervoor om niet door te gaan met de zelfmoord. Vandaag is ze stabiel en blijft ze thuis en zet ze haar helende reis voort.”

Getuigenis 2.

“Dit is de eerste keer in mijn hele leven dat ik de kans heb gehad om te gaan zitten en echt door iemand te worden gehoord. Door de ervaring voel ik me diep gekend. Het heeft me een hernieuwd gevoel van hoop en een frisse kijk op het leven gegeven.”

Getuigenis 3
“Voordat ik de vorige training volgde, worstelde ik met depressie, eenzaamheid en een diep gevoel van wantrouwen jegens anderen. Ik voelde me geïsoleerd en niet in staat om te delen wat ik doormaakte. Nadat ik echter aan de training had deelgenomen, begon ik me geleidelijk open te stellen, contact te maken met anderen en mijn zorgen te delen. Ik heb geleerd om mensen weer te vertrouwen, en als gevolg daarvan voel ik me veel beter – meer ondersteund, begrepen en emotioneel stabiel dan voorheen.”

Getuigenis
“Vroeger had ik een moeilijke relatie met mijn man en kinderen. De communicatie thuis was gespannen en er was veel spanning. Na het volgen van de training begon ik echter actief te luisteren, complimenten te geven en een positievere houding aan te nemen. Deze kleine veranderingen maakten een groot verschil. Tegenwoordig is onze thuisomgeving drastisch verbeterd. We zijn meer verbonden en we genieten van een gelukkig, ondersteunend gezinsleven.”

Getuigenis  
“Toen ik de vorige training bijwoonde, werd ik overspoeld door depressies en was ik vaak in tranen. Ik stond voor grote uitdagingen in mijn huwelijk en voelde me emotioneel leeggezogen. De training heeft me echter geholpen mijn perspectief te veranderen. Ik begon mijn man oprechte complimenten en vriendelijkheid te geven en tot mijn verbazing reageerde hij met hetzelfde. Hierdoor is onze relatie volledig vernieuwd. Het voelt alsof we een tweede huwelijksreis doormaken, en ons huwelijk is nu stabieler en liefdevoller dan ooit tevoren.”

Getuigenis
“Ik leed al sinds mijn achtste jaar aan chronische hoofdpijn. Ondanks het feit dat ik in de loop der jaren veel pijnstillers slikte, bleven de hoofdpijnen terugkomen. Echter, na het leren en consequent toepassen van de hoofdpijnverlichtende technieken die tijdens de training worden aangeleerd, met name de massageoefeningen, heb ik volledige verlichting ervaren. Voor het eerst in jaren voel ik me vrij van de pijn.”

Getuigenis
“Ik heb een vriend wiens broer onlangs is overleden. Het verdriet was zo overweldigend dat hij niet meer naar school ging. Op basis van de vaardigheden die ik tijdens de training had geleerd, nam ik contact met hem op, bood emotionele steun en hielp hem zijn verlies te verwerken. Door regelmatige gesprekken en aanmoediging begon hij geleidelijk te genezen. Ik ben blij te kunnen delen dat hij nu weer naar school gaat en verder gaat met zijn leven.”

Integratie van ons programma in de gemeenschap

Pastor Janvier gaf waardevolle feedback, met name met over de eerder gegeven training over reproductieve gezondheid.  Hij vertelde dat al het voorlichtings- en workshopmateriaal dat gedeeld is door de trainer  nu door lokale overheidsfunctionarissen en gemeenschapsleiders gebruikt wordt voor peer-educatie.

Conclusie

De Trauma Healing Workshops in 2025 bevestigden opnieuw het belang van gecontextualiseerde, participatieve genezingspraktijken in Rwanda na de genocide. Ze benadrukten ook het verspreidende effect: deelnemers voelen zichzelf sterker worden en helpen daarna anderen. Met een groeiende vraag en aangetoonde impact is er veel voor te zeggen om dit werk verder op te schalen naar gemeenschappen in nood.

 

Activity Report 2025

by with No Comment Activity ReportEducationEmpowering Women

Overview

In June 2025, A Cup for Humanity facilitated two trauma healing workshops in the Rwandan communities of Nyamata and Huye. The primary objective was to strengthen individual and collective capacities to cope with trauma related problems and equip participants to play active roles in community-based healing processes.

In addition to the training, A Cup for Humanity donated a sewing machine to the Nyamata community. This contribution is part of a broader strategy to integrate trauma healing with economic empowerment by supporting income-generating activities and enhancing community resilience.

Training Details

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Preparation Time:  Some weeks prior to the events preparation tasks were completed including material preparation, coordination with local partners, logistical arrangements, meetings etc.

Participants:

Nyamata: 20 participants

Huye: 28 participants

Duration:

Nyamata: 4 days

Huye: 1 day

Topics Covered

Active Listening Skills: Participants were introduced to the principles and techniques of active listening, with a focus on empathy, non-judgmental presence, and attentiveness. Through guided exercises and role-play, they learned how to create safe and supportive environments for individuals sharing traumatic experiences—an essential skill for community-based healing and peer support.

Posttraumatic Stress

The session aimed to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and promote supportive responses to those affected. During this session, participants were introduced to the key symptoms and effects of posttraumatic stress with particular attention to how it manifests in daily life. They reflected on personal or observed experiences within their communities and discussed coping strategies.

Introduction to Narrative Exposure Therapy: Participants were introduced to the main principles of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals construct a coherent chronological life narrative that helps them to process traumatic and good life experiences. The session emphasized the therapeutic value of storytelling in trauma recovery and encouraged participants to reflect on how personal and collective narratives can support healing and resilience.

Headache Relief Exercises: Participants were shown how to apply simple massage techniques involving the neck, shoulders, and head to relieve tension and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. The session also emphasized the connection between stress, muscle tension, and headaches, and provided practical guidance on how these self-care exercises can be integrated into daily routines to promote relaxation and overall well-being.

Hydration Awareness: The sessions emphasized the critical role of adequate hydration. specifically, the importance of consuming at least three litres of clean water per day which will help to maintain overall health and preventing recurrent migraines. Participants were encouraged to adopt consistent hydration habits as part of a broader strategy for physical  well-being.

Sexual Violence and Survivor Support: This session focused on the physical and emotional healing of survivors of sexual violence, with particular attention to the body’s natural ability to renew and regenerate cells over time. The session emphasized that while trauma may leave lasting effects, the body’s capacity to heal can serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and renewal. Discussions also addressed the importance of safe spaces, access to care, and community-based support systems in the recovery process.

Methodology

The workshops employed a dialogue-lecture approach, encouraging participants to share personal and communal traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive space.

Activities included:

  • Life storytelling sessions with visual aids (e.g., dolls for illustration)
  • Group prayers, singing, and dance as forms of expression and emotional release
  • Interactive games to build trust and resilience
  • Practical demonstrations of self-care techniques

This approach fostered both individual healing and collective solidarity.

Feedback & Impact

Testimony 1.

“After attending the trauma healing training last year, I was able to support a friend who was on the verge of committing suicide due to a serious marital crisis. She was preparing to leave the home with the intention of ending her life. Drawing on what I learned about Narrative Exposure Therapy, I gently guided her to focus on positive memories. Specifically, I encouraged her to think about flowers which symbolise good memories in her life story. This simple but powerful exercise helped shift her focus away from despair. In the end, she chose not to go through with the suicide. Today, she is stable and remains at home, continuing her healing journey.”

Testimony 2.

“This is the first time in my entire life that I have had the opportunity to sit down and be truly listened to by someone. The experience has left me feeling deeply uplifted. It has given me a renewed sense of hope and a fresh perspective on life.”

Testimony 3
“Before I attended the previous training, I was struggling with depression, loneliness, and a deep sense of mistrust toward others. I felt isolated and unable to share what I was going through. However, after participating in the training, I gradually began to open up, connect with others, and share my concerns. I have learned to trust people again, and as a result, I feel much better—more supported, understood, and emotionally stable than before.”

Testimony 4:
“I used to have a difficult relationship with my husband and children. Communication at home was strained, and there was a lot of tension. However, after attending the training, I began practicing active listening, offering compliments, and maintaining a more positive attitude. These small changes made a big difference. Today, our home environment has improved dramatically. We  are more connected, and we enjoy a happy, supportive family life.”

Testimony 5:
“When I attended the previous training, I was overwhelmed with depression and often in tears. I was facing serious challenges in my marriage and felt emotionally drained. However, the training helped me shift my perspective. I began offering my husband genuine compliments and kindness and to my surprise, he responded with the same. As a result, our relationship has been completely renewed. It feels like we are experiencing a second honeymoon, and our marriage is now more stable and loving than ever before.”

Testimony 6:
“I had been suffering from chronic headaches since the age of eight. Despite taking many painkillers over the years, the headaches kept returning. However, after learning and consistently applying the headache relief techniques taught during the training—particularly the massage exercises. I have experienced complete relief. For the first time in years, I feel free from the pain.”

Testimony 7:
“I have a friend whose brother passed away recently. The grief was so overwhelming that he stopped going to school. Drawing on the skills I learned from the training, I reached out to him, offered emotional support, and helped him process his loss. Through regular conversations and encouragement, he gradually began to heal. I’m happy to share that he is now back in school and moving forward with his life.”

Community Integration of our Program

Pastor Janvier provided valuable feedback, particularly regarding the reproductive health component, noting its relevance and the ongoing use of workshop materials by local government officials and community leaders for peer education.

Conclusion

The Trauma Healing Workshops in 2025 reaffirmed the importance of contextualised,  participatory healing practices in post-genocide Rwanda. They also highlighted the ripple effect—participants becoming facilitators of healing within their circles. With growing demand and demonstrated impact, there is a strong case for scaling this work further across communities in need.

 

Activity Report 2024

by with No Comment Activity Report

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

Financial Report 2023

by with No Comment Financial Reports

INHOUDSOPGAVE                                                                                             
 1. Rapport 

1.1 NOAB-Samenstellingsverklaring
1.2 Algemeen
1.3 Resultaatvergelijking
2. Jaarrekening
2.1 Balans per 31 december 2023
2.2 Winst- en verliesrekening over 2023
2.3 Toelichting op de jaarrekening
2.4 Toelichting op de balans
2.5 Toelichting op de winst- en verliesrekening
3. Bijlagen
3.1 Staat van de vaste activa

 

 

Stichting “A Cup for Humanity”
De heer A.C. van den Bos
Merelstraat 26 2675 VR  HONSELERSDIJK

 

Referentie: 301004
Betreft:      jaarrekening 2023

Geachte bestuursleden,
Wateringen, 24 september 2024

Hiermede brengen wij u verslag uit van onze werkzaamheden omtrent de jaarrekening 2023 van uw onderneming.
De balans per 31 december 2023, de winst- en verliesrekening over 2023 en de toelichting, welke tezamen de
jaarrekening 2023 vormen, alsmede de overige gegevens zijn in dit rapport opgenomen.

1.1  NOAB-Samenstellingsverklaring
De jaarrekening van Stichting “A Cup for Humanity” te Honselersdijk is door ons samengesteld op basis van de van u verkregen informatie. De jaarrekening bestaat uit de balans per 31 december 2023 en de winst- en verliesrekening over 2023 met de daarbij horende toelichting. In deze toelichtingen is onder andere een overzicht van de gehanteerde grondslagen voor financiële verslaggeving opgenomen. Bij een samenstellingsopdracht bent uerverantwoordelijk voor dat de informatie klopt en dat u ons alle relevante informatie aanlevert. Wij hebben onze werkzaamheden dan ook uitgevoerd vanuit de veronderstelling dat u aan dezeverantwoordelijkheid heeft voldaan.Wij hebben deze samenstellingsopdracht uitgevoerd in overeenstemming met Nederlands recht en volgens richtlijnen en werkschema’s, welke gebaseerd zijn op het NOAB kwaliteitssysteem (NKS). Dit  houdt onder meer in dat wij ons gehouden hebben aan de voor ons geldende voorschriften in de verordeningen van de
Nederlandse Orde van Administratie en Belastingdeskundigen (NOAB).Daardoor mag u er van uit gaan dat wij de opdracht professioneel, vakbekwaam en zorgvuldig, integer en objectief hebben uitgevoerd en dat wij vertrouwelijk omgaan met de door u verstrekte gegevens.

 

Op grond van bovenstaande wordt van ons verwacht dat wij de jaarrekening samenstellen in
overeenstemming met algemeen aanvaarde grondslagen voor financiële verslaglegging. Wij hebben daarbij onze deskundigheid op het gebied van administratieve  verwerking en financiële verslaggeving toegepast.
De in dit kader uitgevoerde werkzaamheden bestonden in hoofdzaak uit het verzamelen, het verwerken, het ubriceren, vergelijken, onderling aansluiten en het samenvatten van financiële gegevens ten behoeve van de jaarrekening en of kredietrapportage. Wij hebben geen controle- of beoordelingswerkzaamheden uitgevoerd die ons in staat stellen om een oordeel te geven of een conclusie te trekken met betrekking tot de getrouwheid van de jaarrekening.

Wij vertrouwen hiermee aan uw opdracht te hebben voldaan. Tot het geven van nadere toelichting zijn wij gaarne bereid.

Hoogachtend,
VB administratieve & fiscale dienstverlening
J.J. van Rijn RBc

 

Stichting “A Cup for Humanity” te Honselersdijk

a cup – financial report 2023 screen

Newsletter 2020

by with No Comment Newsletter

Paul’s successful completion of his studies in Groningen and his return to Africa

From September 2019 to July 2020 Paul spent an extensive study time at the Protestant Theological University and the University of Groningen where he successfully completed a one-year Master’s in theology, department of Intercultural theology with a special focus on violent conflicts, community healing, and reconciliation. About the origin of his research interest, Paul says   ̋The origins of my research interest dates back to my personal childhood experiences. As I grew up the question about violence, particularly inter-ethnic violence, became even more vivid when my father was killed by members of Babembe ethnic groups only because he was a Tutsi. My father was not killed alone as it is mentioned in the United Nations report of the mapping exercise. The report says, “In September 1996, Bembe armed units killed an unknown number of Banyamulenge at Lubonja village in the Nganja sector of the Fizi territory. The victims were mostly women who had left Nganja for Minembwe. Two pastors were also killed in the same village in similar circumstances”.  One of the pastors happened to be my father. That horrific event happened very far from where the war had started. However, the media discourse attributed the beginning of the war to Tutsis. The overwhelming media perception framed Tutsis as instigators of war threatening other communities. Thus exacerbating existing conflicts between ethnic groups.  As a result, many Tutsi innocent families were coldly killed with spears and machetes. Over the years the project to revisit the Eastern Congo mission field has grown due to the consistency of interethnic violence between ethnic groups. I believe that while a military approach may stop physical violence which may be seen by the naked eye such as fighting between groups, it can hardly help communities to live together in peace. The gospel message of Jesus Christ, when placed in a contextual hermeneutical framework, could. It can help people to embrace one another, even their enemies. This Christian approach to reconciliation works both as a means of stopping the conflict but also of deconstructing dominant narratives that sustain it. Particularly my work at A Cup for Humanity reinforced the desire to deepen my theological knowledge in order to acquire more skills that would help me to contribute to developing a peace-making model that would promote peaceful interethnic coexistence between rival ethnic groups. Insights from my research confirmed that a community- based reconciliation model fits best to deconstruct narratives that sustain exclusionary boundaries between ethnic groups that mitigating violent conflicts in the Eastern Congo. I hope that stakeholders will benefit from my research findings and use them to contribute to a sustainable peaceful eastern Congo. Paul now is in Rwanda where he is working for A Cup for Humanity.

 

Community development program

Sewing workshop in Kigali

 

It takes a thriving community to transform the lives of individuals. A Cup for Humanity strives to create opportunities to invigorate communities across Rwanda and the Eastern Congo. Besides Education, reconciliation, and Refugee empowerment, we have added a new pillar which is community development. Under this pillar falls the sewing machine workshop which is meant to equip vulnerable women with skills that would help families to generate income and embrace a better life.

A Cup for Humanity operates its first workshop in Kigali where six women already completed the first intake. Same as the rest of other activities in the country, the center was affected by the corona crisis. As work resumes slowly we are planning to reopen the workshop in October 2020. In order to train more women in Rwanda, A Cup of Humanity is planning to invest in expanding the center. This will require buying more modern equipment and recruiting more qualified trainers. We strive to make this program a beacon of social transformation and poverty alleviation among women in Rwanda and the DRC.

 

International  trips to Rwanda and the DRC

Volcano mountain Sabyinyo the home of Mountain Gorillas

 

In A Cup for Humanity, we believe in harmony, unity, and transparency. We are planning to offer opportunities for individuals, teams,s, and churches to visit our projects in Rwanda as well as the DRC. we believe that there are many church groups and volunteer teams who want to travel and share the experience with projects abroad, further discipleship, and deepen the spiritual life while making a difference in the world. Such opportunities are golden moments for sponsors to meet their sponsored children and gain the first-hand experience of how their donations are making positive impacts in society. Besides, individuals with different skills such as doctors, nurses, agriculturalists, artists among others will be given the opportunity to serve and make positive impacts among communities. News about visiting Rwanda or the DRC through us will be provided on our website very soon.

Meet Trauma therapist experts program

At A Cup for Humanity we believe that financial prosperity is possible when it is coupled with bodily wellbeing. Consequently, in a post-conflict society, it is paramount to invest in the well-being of victims of war and genocide. Victims of war and genocide suffer from an unspeakable level of trauma and stress which do not only hinder them from living a normal human life but the process renders them vulnerable in society. Among the victims, women and children are affected disproportionately. According to recent studies on life expectancy among unarmed civilians caught in armed conflict, women are the primary adult victims of war.

For example, the unique harm of war on women is the trauma inflicted by killers, rape camps, sex trafficking for prostitution, and increased domestic violence. In addition, widows of war and women refugees of war are particularly vulnerable to poverty, prostitution, and higher illness and death following armed conflict. Due to trauma-related effects, many young women and children quit from leading a normal course of life by dropping from school, stopping from pursuing their dream, and in the end fall into an endless circle of vulnerability.

Therefore, ACfH has as one of its priority, to initiate healing campaigns that are meant to bring together victims of war and other human rights abuses with trauma therapist experts. The main goal of such campaigns is to provide affordable trauma care to as many people in our communities as possible. Next year in 2021 two Trauma therapist experts from the Netherlands will visit Rwanda and meet genocide survivors and refugees in the first healing campaign which will be organized in conjunction with local churches. We plan to make such campaigns a yearly event both in Rwanda and the DRC separately

Expected results

Family members experience at first hand the consequences of the complaints on the part of parents and/or children. When several family members have been hit by extremely awful events, such as a confrontation with violence, family life may be seriously disrupted as well as the community and the cycle goes on and on. In the same way, when healing takes place at the family level, victims get a good transition to healing which positively benefits the entire community. We believe that the family-based healing approach is a great contribution to mitigating violence and developing a nonviolent generation.

 

Book Release: Remember to rebuild

In the efforts to honoring the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda and more particularly members of her family, Blanche(who is married to Paul Mutama) has decided to write a book on how she survived the most atrocious genocide of the 20th century which took all members of her family and left her alone to tell the story. After twenty-six years of silence, she has now gained some strength to let the world know her personal experience during the genocide, how she survived, and the journey she has taken to embrace life again and forgive her killers. The book is part of condemning hatred and promoting love and reconciliation. More about Blanche and her story will be resealed in the book. Keep an eye on our website to know when the book will be released and how to get it.

 

Land for A Cup for Humanity in Kigali

A Cup for Humanity received a special gift; we are very happy and grateful that we acquired land in Kigali in Rwanda. In the future, our land will be used to build modern infrastructures that will host our projects such as offices and schools among others. We are looking forward to developing the land and use it for our future projects.

 

Corona crisis

As alluded above the corona crisis has affected a lot of our activities. For the last couple of months, we could not travel to visit our sponsored kids and their families in Uvira/Eastern Congo. Also, kids were forced to postpone their studies and stayed at home. The good news is that the new academic year will start early this month(October) in the Democratic Republic of Congo which will allow children to go back to school. Despite the Corona crisis, we are committed to continuing to support poor children by helping them to go to school through sponsoring their education and giving them moral support. We encourage everyone to abide by health experts’ preventive measure, stay positive until we all get victory over the virus.

A word for the donors

We would like to thank you all for your outstanding support. Your donation helps to change people’s lives. Because of your support poor children are gaining the education, families are getting out of poverty and communities are embracing peace. We can not thank you enough. We hope to keep working together as we develop a non-violent and resilient generation.

Training over de psychische gevolgen van het meemaken van traumatische gebeurtenissen en wat leken hulpverleners er mee kunnen doen.

by with No Comment Mental Health

5 februari 2024 -20 februari 2024

Paul Mutama, predikant en tolk & Jannetta Bos, psychotherapeut

Doel

A Cup for Humanity heeft bij haar oprichting in 2018 gekozen voor het opzetten van trainingen aan overlevenden van de genocide die plaatsvond in 1994 en slachtoffers van andere mensenrechtenschendingen. Doel is om toegankelijke traumazorg aan zoveel mogelijk mensen mogelijk te maken.

Beloop

Eind 2023 is er een start gemaakt met de samenwerking met een lokale partner, de Presbyterian Church of Rwanda in Kiyovu te Kigali. In het kader hiervan hebben twee aan deze gemeente verbonden pastors mensen van hun kerk geselecteerd voor deze training.

Aan de interactieve workshops in Huye en in Kigali deden in totaal 50 nieuwe deelnemers kennis op over (normale) stressreacties, somberheid, traumatische rouw en angstklachten die het meemaken van ernstige traumatische gebeurtenissen teweeg kunnen brengen en wat zij daaraan zelf kunnen doen. Eigen ervaringen werden gedeeld. Pastors, jeugdwerkers, diakenen, gemotiveerde leken, vaak zelf  genocide-overlevende, deden mee. In april wordt herdacht dat 30 jaar geleden de genocide plaatsvond, een zeer zware periode. Er werd stilgestaan bij hoe men elkaar kan steunen en vasthouden.

Alle participanten geven de opgedane kennis daarna aan anderen door. Doel is dat hierdoor veerkracht opgebouwd kan worden en de vooroordelen die alom heersen over psychische klachten verminderen.

Een deelnemer over de training: ‘Door de training begrijp ik meer van mijzelf en voel ik mij beter, rustiger’.

Een ander noemt: ‘Ik heb veel leden van mijn familie niet kunnen begraven omdat hun lichamen nooit gevonden zijn. Het is nieuw voor mij dat ik zelf een ritueel kan uitvoeren om hen eer te bewijzen. Ik wil dat gaan doen. Ik denk aan het planten van bomen voor ieder van hen’.

Resultaten van de eerdere traumazorg trainingen in Huye en Nyamata

De eerder in 2023 opgeleide mensen hebben we teruggezien. Men bleek heel actief te zijn in het verspreiden van kennis en hulpverlening aan lotgenoten. Sommigen vertelden dat zij na het winnen van het vertrouwen en doordat zij actief durfden te vragen naar eventuele suïcidale gedachten de nodige zorg konden organiseren en deze mensen mede daardoor nog in leven zijn.

In Butare, nabij Huye in het zuiden van Rwanda, bleek tijdens de follow-up dat de deelnemers zich uit eigen initiatief met dorpsgenoten verenigd hebben in vijf projecten om gezamenlijk zelf hun armoede te bestrijden. Doordat men elkaar tijdens de trainingen goed heeft leren kennen is het isolement en de eenzaamheid doorbroken, voelen mensen zich beter en hebben hun veerkracht gevonden. Wat een prachtig resultaat.

Bezoek met een overlevende aan de plek waar de genocide plaatsvond

Na 30 jaar niet gedurfd te hebben voelde een vrouw zich gereed om terug te gaan naar de plek waar zij als jonge vrouw de moord op haar familieleden heeft gezien. Zij vroeg om mee te gaan. Zij heeft ter plekke over haar ervaringen gesproken. Zij heeft in de graftombe bloemen neergelegd om haar nabestaanden eer te bewijzen. Daarna voelde het voor haar en haar man alsof een sluier is weggetrokken. Een aangrijpende en helende ervaring.

Dank

Graag willen we allen die dit werk mogelijk maken zeer hartelijk bedanken voor uw financiële steun en meeleven. Door uw support worden wij gedragen.

 

Training Mental health aspects related to trauma and what lay counsellors can do about it

by with No Comment Mental Health

February 5th  2024 – February 20th 2024

Paul Mutama, pastor and interpreter & Jannetta Bos, psychotherapist

Aim

When founded in 2018 A Cup for Humanity has chosen to develop trainings for survivors of the genocide that took place in 1994 and for victims of other violations of human rights. Aim is accessible trauma care for as many people as possible.

Follow Up

At the end of 2023 we started a close cooperation with our local partner, the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda in Kiyovu in Kigali. Pastors of this congregation selected 25 church members for this training.

In total 50 participants took part in Huye and in Kigali part the interactive workshops to gain knowledge about (normal) stress reactions, sadness, traumatic grief and anxiety that can be caused by traumatic events and about what they can do about it. Own experiences were shared. Pastors, youth workers, deacons, motivated lay people, often survivors of the genocide themselves were participating. In April there will be commemorations about the genocide that took place 30 years ago. A very difficult period. We took time together how people can support each other.

All participants will share their knowledge with others. Aim is to build up resilience  and to tackle the enormous stigma about mental health problems.

One participant mentioned about the training: ‘I now understand more myself  and I feel better and more quiet’.

Another person mentioned: ‘I could not burry many family members because their bodies have never been found. It is very new to me that I can perform a ritual myself in order to pay respect to them. I will do it. I am thinking about planting trees for each of them’.

Results  of a former training in Huye and in Nyamata

We met the trainees of 2023 again. All were active in spreading knowledge about mental health and in offering support to their peers. Some told that after gaining trust and due to the fact that they actively dared to ask questions about suicidal thoughts they could organise adequate care. Due to this these people are still alive.

During our follow-up in Butare, near to Huye in the south of Rwanda, we were told about the own initiative of the former participants. They have gathered together with fellow villages in five projects to combat poverty. Because they have gotten to know each other more the isolation has been broken, they feel better and stronger. What a great result.

Visit together with a survivor to the site where the genocide took place

After 30 years in which she felt too anxious to return to the place where she witnessed as a young woman the murder on all her family members, she asked to join her. At the spot she spoke about what happened. We prayed, she placed flowers in the tomb to pay tribute to them. Afterwards it felt like a dark curtain has been taken away for her and her husband.  A profound and healing experience.

Thanks

We would like to thank everyone who makes this work possible. By your financial and mental support. We are carried by your support. Thanks a lot.

Hope for genocide survivors in Rwanda

by with No Comment Reconciliation

COMMUNITY HEALING

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us ( 2 Corinthians 1:4)

Twenty-eight years after the genocide against the Tutsis, wounds are still fresh as if they happened yesterday. Regardless of the efforts made by different stakeholders, it is obvious that much work is still needed to reach true healing and reconciliation. In this regard, during the commemoration period, especially the month of April, A Cup for Humanity invested many efforts in instilling hope in the heart of Rwandans.

As different events were happening around the country, A cup for humanity was invited to speak and share the experience on how people can rise from ashes to a place of beauty and glory. We attended different events, namely, the youth overnight conference at Evangelical restoration church Kimisagara, the annual cell week convention which was attended by more than two thousand people, the ‘‘ Let hope arise concert in Kigali’’ and lastly a special service to remember the victims of the genocide which was organized by Christ gospel church in Kigali.

Representing A Cup for Humanity, Paul Mutama Sebasaza delivered a message of hope which is found in Jesus Christ. He emphasized the fact that human life is a sacred and precious gift that should be preserved by all means. Paul Mutama shared his testimony on how he lost his father and could not get the opportunity to lay him to rest until today. A horrible experience that haunts many genocide survivors.

Despite unspeakable sufferings, God offers hope through Jesus Christ who himself suffered under human conditions.

Being a survivor himself, Paul shared how together with his wife, Marie Blanche a genocide survivor who lost all members of her family(both parents and six brothers, and sisters), they managed to forgive and promote love and reconciliation instead of revenge.

In the light of Bible texts such as Isaiah 40:1-2, Paul stated that our God does not only defend his people but he suffers with them.

During all the occasions, survivors demonstrated hope for a better Rwanda as well as its surrounding region which has been a theatre of war and genocide for decades.

A cup of humanity is committed to organizing many other events in the line of developing a nonviolent generation.

Finally, we thank all Dutch churches and individuals who donate their money to support this life-changing mission.

Policy Plan 2023-2024

by with No Comment Financial Reports

Policy plan 2023-2024

The five main goals of the organization A Cup for Humanity

  • Peace Education
  • Psycho Trauma Care
  • Child sponsorship
  • Empowering migrants/refugees/displaced persons
  • Sewing workshop (continued)

Introduction;

As the board of the A Cup for Humanity Foundation, we have decided to opt for the above 5 main goals for the years 2023 and 2024. We are focusing on Rwanda, and we also want to work with the Rwandan government. We are also looking for local partners within Rwanda, some discussions have already taken place. Our director Paul Mutama still lives with his wife and children in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali.

  • Peace Education

Following the training workshop for church leaders in February 2023, we want to follow up on this in 2024 as well. The training was given by Rev. Philip van Wijk, he is willing to continue with this in 2024. In the first instance, this concerns three different locations in Rwanda, namely Kayonza (Eastern Province), Kabeza (City of Kigali), and Huye (Southern Province). At the moment, it is also being investigated whether it is possible to work together with Partners within Rwanda. If this succeeds, we will be able to expand our activities together. Peace education in Rwanda remains necessary for the development of a non-violent generation. With this project, the A Cup for Humanity Foundation hopes for even more expansion of the groups already formed in 2023. We are also currently working on cooperation with the Ministry of Reconciliation of Rwanda and, as mentioned earlier, with Rwandan Partners.

  • Psycho trauma care

When A Cup for Humanity was founded in 2018, it had already chosen to set up healing campaigns intended to bring together war victims and victims of other human rights violations with experts in the field of trauma therapists. The main goal of such campaigns is to provide affordable trauma care to as many people as possible in Rwandan communities. We were able to follow up on this plan in July 2023. Jannetta Bos, Psychotherapist, organized a special training course for lay counselors in mental health care in Rwanda on behalf of A Cup for Humanity. The training was given at 2 different locations; 1 in the Sovu sector, the Huye district in the southern part of Rwanda, and 1 in the city of Nyamata. Jannetta has indicated that she will also be available for training in Rwanda for the year 2024. As a board, we are sticking to our plan to send trauma therapists from the Netherlands to Rwanda.

  • Child sponsorship

Due to the unsafe situation in Eastern Congo, we started sponsoring poor Rwandan children at the end of 2020. Due to our financial situation, we were only able to support 2 families with Child Sponsorship in 2023. We hope to be able to support more families in 2024. We can only achieve this through more fundraising through our donors. As a board, this is our priority for the coming period.

 

  • Empowering migrants/refugees/displaced persons

One of the pillars of A Cup for Humanity is to empower refugees within their society. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it has been difficult for us to visit refugee camps in Rwanda or even bring them together through our programs. However, we have managed to keep in touch with refugee pastors in the region. We plan to restart this in 2024. A Cup for Humanity aims to encourage leaders to develop relationships of trust, respect, and cooperation. Mutual efforts for hospitality, visits, prayer, service, or other ministry activities together increase cross-cultural understanding and relationships. Whether we will succeed will depend on the accessibility of the refugee camps and the available funding

Study of Theology

From September 2019 to July 2020, Paul studied extensively at the Protestant Theological University and at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, where he successfully completed a one-year master’s degree. Paul studied intercultural theology, specializing in violent conflicts, community healing, and reconciliation. In his work for A Cup for Humanity, the desire to expand his theological knowledge was strengthened. And to gain more skills that could help him develop a peace-making model for the peaceful coexistence of rival ethnic groups. Insights from his research confirmed that a community-based reconciliation model works best to stop past events by limiting exclusions of boundaries between ethnic groups in Rwanda. Paul hopes that stakeholders will continue to benefit from his research findings in 2024 and that they will use them to contribute to the development of a peaceful Rwanda.

  • Sewing workshop (continued)

As part of our program to contribute to community transformation, we launched our first sewing workshop in Kigali Rwanda at the end of October 2020. We bought modern sewing machines, rented a space, and recruited a professional teacher who was responsible, among other things, for training women in sewing skills. Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily interrupted our activities, we kept the spirit and trained at least 20 women in the year 2021. Because we could not get the financing in order for the year 2022, we temporarily stored the sewing machines. After the visits to the groups in 2023 by Rev. Philip van Wijk, Jannetta Bos, and Aad and Jeannette van den Bos, the board has decided to donate the current 5 sewing machines to the groups that have already been built. In this way, we sponsor a number of women within the groups and contribute to social transformation and poverty reduction. We hope to be able to deliver the sewing machines from storage to the groups in February 2024.

Reconciliation

by with No Comment Reconciliation

An ethnic cow: Myth and ideology behind looting and killing ”Tutsi” cows en masse in eastern DRC

The ongoing crisis in DRC is rooted in its history of predation, corruption, and the continuing aftermath of the 1994 genocide in neighboring Rwanda. Actors fluctuating from states, insurgencies, and foreign militias to local armed groups, caused countless victims and there seems to be no end to the violence in sight. The unrelenting cycles of violence, and their subsequent effects, embodied by severe human rights violations put the conflict itself among one of the world’s largest, most acute, and complex warfare of our time.

The warfare of our time in history, as denoted by Marry Ann Cejka et al (2003) is not principally warfare between national states. As many scholars and commentators have noted, internal conflicts of various kinds killed far more people during the twentieth century than did conflicts like the first and second world wars.

Particularly, Since 1996 when the conflict erupted widely, it has been reported by several sources that around 6 million Congolese have died due to direct or indirect consequences of such violence. Besides, due to the intricacy of violence, the Democratic Republic of Congo is ranked number one with most new displacement by conflict and violence, with almost 2.2 million new cases, more than twice the number in 2016 and more than the next three worst-affected countries in the region combined(iDMC 2018).

Throughout the eastern Congo conflicts,Uvira and Fizi territories manifested particular traits related to ethnicity which is arguably one of the key precursors to the conflict. Historically, Fizi and Uvira zones have always been ethnically polarized. Moreover, both zones are among the most Christianized communities in the region. Nominally speaking at least, they display a remarkable demographic expansion of the Christian movements. Despite fraught tensions which could rise, ethnic groups cohabited peacefully for centuries.

Embedded cultural values and religious practices played a central role in fostering unity and reconciliation thus preventing conflicts to go beyond control. The Babembe, Bavira, Bafuliru, Barega, Batembo, Bahavu, Bashi, Babuyu, Banyindu, Barundi, Babangubangu, Babwari, Banyamulenge, are the main ethnic groups inhabiting the area, inter alia.

 

Despite seldom anthropological differences such as cultural heritage, they all organized around a relatively common way of living, and their relationships were generally good in the past regardless of occasional fraught tensions(Gatimbirizo1988:22). Regardless  of observed tensions, reconciliation and community healing concepts which found their expression in the culture and religion fostered their relationships for centuries.For example, blood was a symbol of reconciliation rather than conflict and revenge.

Numerous customs, such as friendship ties sanctioned by blood pacts between individuals, families, and tribes, whereby parties involved in the process became one for life and death, prevented the possibility of  harming or even be in conflict with each other. Furthermore, in the event of domestic or local conflicts arising between Banyamulenge and their immediate neighbors, elders from the conflicting communities would sit together and settle issues as they shared a drink, and fines were charged according to the weight of the offense (Rukundwa2004:381). Thus preventing escalations and proliferation of conflicts.

Importantly, Christianity reinterpreted the concept of reconciliation by annexing it with the divine. As a result, the local church became a central symbol and an agent of God’s reconciliation. This  double character as a subjective bodily means of expression and a collective divine means of life now occurs in its highest form thus preserving life and chastising all forms of profanation.

However, regardless of such strong Christian and cultural heritage, individual people were involved en masse in looting and killing. Principally, there is a manifestation of a rancorous ideology among Babembe, Fuliru, and Nyindu ethnic groups, as well as the FDLR militia from Rwanda aimed at annihilating the Banyamulenge cows by cataloging them with a metaphorical ethnic( Tustis) group.

For centuries domestic animals are regarded as an indispensable part of the household economy. Particularly a cow may have an additional emotional or spiritual value attached to it given a society. it is the case in most Tustis communities especially the Banyamulenge ethnic group in the eastern Congo. Besides sustaining the livelihood of the community, it is a symbol of life and pride. Therefore, despite cultural differences amongst communities, it seems malformed for a cow to be hunted down and killed just because it is kept by a Munyamulenge or a Tustis for that matter.

The rise and practice of this ideology saw a hundred thousands of cows and their keepers killed in different places and times. From the 1960s to date, innumerable cases of hunting down Banyamulenge cows are reported. It is obvious that when cows are targeted their owners are never spared. It happened many times in Vyura, Inganji, Kundondo, Mibunda, Minembwe, Lulimba, Lulenge, to name but a few and even in neighboring countries such as Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. In all these instances, countless cows and people are killed and there seem to be no end to this evil ideology.

It should be noted that the character and ideology of the people that make up the human element of a state and its influence on the territory, government, and sovereignty could help determine the inherent measure of peace or conflict—No state can be imagined without people. Annihilating the Banyamulenge cows or targeting the so-called Tustis cows is a genocide ideology aiming at exterminating them from Uvira and Fizi territories. Such an ideology should be contested by all means.

The church as a credible moral guide in the region has a special role to play. We should be once again teaching people to preserve life including that of a cow. For it is just an animal whether it is kept by a Munyamulenge or a member of the other tribe. There will never be such thing as Tustis cow. Farming should always be seen as part of the micro and macro economy, not as part of violent conflicts.

©Paul Mutama S.

A Cup for Humanity.