Thanks to your loving donations, stories of healing and forgiveness continue to flow from our Dukomeze Kunywana project in Burundi. People who have suffered trauma for decades because of war and violence are finding peace. Relationships are being restored and communities are being renewed.
Dukomeze Kunywana is a phrase in Kirundi, a language spoken in Burundi. It can be translated to mean “Let’s strengthen reconciliation”. It comes from the traditional practice of drinking from the same cup, as a sign of reconciliation after battle.
Your wonderful support has brought about massive changes in previously divided communities throughout Rutana Province, Burundi. People are united and groups who had not wanted anything to do with one another for decades have experienced a deep reconciliation.
The project has allowed people, in safe spaces, to have conversations and listen to everyone’s perspectives. It has given people the strength to face pain and injustice from the past, and the support to deal with and process these very difficult issues. As a result, communities are moving towards understanding, tolerance, trauma recovery and long-lasting peace.
“I was so scared when I arrived in the activity room. I was face to face with someone from a family, who my parents had told me was responsible for my uncle’s death in 1972. They were from a different ethnic group. In spite of this, the other people in the group, and the facilitator, encouraged me to stay. As time went by and the discussions continued, I started to feel safe. I found that I was beginning to understand the other ethnic group. I started to feel compassion for them. I am now confident that the ethnically motivated violence in Burundi can come to an end… In my community, people of different ethnic groups now share their sorrows and joys with one another.”
Nestor
“I invited Nestor and his family to come along to my children’s baptism ceremonies. They took part in these celebrations without fear. Our relationship has been restored, we visit each other regularly – sharing food and drink. Other members of our community can’t believe the positive change that they are seeing Before this project, I hated and resented Nestor and his family. Nestor and his parents feared meeting me or even approaching me. Long live the Dukomeze Kunywana project!”
Etienne
