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

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.

Beloop

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.