As we look to summer, it is hard not to reflect on what an eventful spring it has been on the international stage.
From a historic revolution in Egypt to the violent civil conflict that has erupted in Libya – the need for peace is back in the spotlight.
In a year that marks Alert’s 25th Anniversary, we want to get YOU involved in the peace movement! First we’ll share a story of one person who, with Alert’s help, is moving towards a peaceful life.
Hakuzimana Epaphrodite, called Nzovu (right), is a 56 year-old man who is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
During the crisis of 1973 – when a military coup was followed by ethnic violence – his father was assassinated. In 1994, during the genocide against the Tutsi, Nvozu lost all his family: his wife, his children, his brothers and many other close relatives.
Nzovu survived the genocide, but only after spending several days hiding among corpses.
Since then, he lives with the fear of being killed and of seeing his new family slain as well. Every day he gets up at 3am to watch over his family’s safety. He does not sleep and often thinks about death.
Nzovu suffers from a deep-rooted trauma that has never been treated and since the end of the genocide he has been suffering in silence.
Nzovu joined Alert’s project on reconciliation and reintegration. This was an opportunity for him to start coming to terms with his past by sharing experiences with others.
The training enabled Nzovu to understand his experience, his suffering and that of others. He received counseling and finally feels able to resume his life and even to help others.
“Taking part in this course saved me, as my health was deteriorating as a consequence of my suffering. I am determined to use the skills I gained to help members of my family and neighbours who are as well unknowingly suffering from trauma or failing to understand people suffering from trauma to help them heal”.
For as little as £10 YOU can become an Alert Peacebuilder and support the important work we do which stops thousands of victims from suffering in silence.
USAID and International Alert are working together to foster reconciliation and socio-economic reintegration in Rwanda.
