Rwanda
Training was designed to build psychological resilience and promote trauma healing through an innovative, experiential method resilience based physical exercises inspired by martial arts (imikino njyarugamba).
Executive Summary
Enhanced Resilience Trainings
VEGA Agahozo, in collaboration with Martial Arts for Justice (MAJ), implements Enhanced Resilience Trainings (ERT) targeting AVEGA members across various sectors in the Rwamagana and Rusizi districts. In Rwamagana district, participants were drawn from Kayonza and Rwamagana districts, while in Rusizi district, the training was held in the Nyakarenzo, Nkaka, Mururu, and Gashonga sectors.
These trainings were designed to build psychological resilience and promote trauma healing through an innovative, experiential method resilience based physical exercises inspired by martial arts (imikino njyarugamba). These trainings were structured around five days of intensive sessions where participants engaged in interactive discussions about trauma, its risk factors, and its impact on both physical and emotional health.
Executive Summary continued
The training was delivered using a guideline manual, which helped facilitators to ensure consistent, structured delivery of content, while also empowering participants to actively engage in their learning and recovery process.
Through dialogues and group activities, the training covered topics such as: Understanding Trauma, Risk Factors, Symptoms of Trauma, Behavioral Healing, and Building Resilience. Facilitated by experienced and professional in Martial Arts, with support from trained APS facilitators, the ERT sessions aimed to provide AVEGA members with the tools needed to recover from trauma, manage emotional distress, and enhance overall wellbeing.
The combination of educative dialogue and experiential physical exercises was designed to reinforce learning and provide a holistic approach to trauma healing. Financially, MAJ has supported funding for these trainings since 2018. It is proven that women receiving ERT training before other assistance and training programs enables the participants to be healthy and fully engaged to maximize those investments.
How we helped
Odette Mukashema is an AVEGA member residing in Nyakarenzo Sectorr, Rusizi District
who initially reached out to the AVEGA-Agahozo call center during the emotionally intense commemoration period. Haunted by painful memories of the Genocide against the Tutsi, she expressed deep emotional distress and a sense of hopelessness. She reported experiencing frequent sadness, isolation, and a persistent belief that nothing could ever ease her suffering. However, after being referred to a local support group through the call center’s intervention, she began attending guided group counseling sessions and participating in therapeutic group exercises. As she recounts: I used to think that nothing could help me forget my painful memories. But with the group exercises and encouragement, I feel like I have taken back control of my life. I even lead others in the exercises now.
Through consistent engagement, emotional support, and peer connection, she gradually regained confidence, developed resilience, and became an active leader within her support group. Today, she not only continues to benefit from the healing process but also helps guide and encourage others who are on similar paths of recovery. Her story is a testament to the power of community-based mental health support, and it underscores the importance of accessible psychological services for survivors especially during emotionally triggering periods such as the national commemoration.
How we helped
Mukarusine Valentine, is AVEGA member, a participant who shared her transformative journey.
“Before attending the training, I faced significant physical challenges. I struggled with mobility, particularly when standing for long periods, and was unable to participate in activities like dancing or jumping, which are often part of my community’s worship services. ‘I couldn’t stand for long during church services, and dancing was impossible for me. Every time I tried to jump, I experienced dizziness’. However, after engaging in the resilience-based physical exercises inspired by martial arts during the training, I experienced remarkable improvement”.
She now reports feeling much better and has regained the ability to stand for longer periods, jump, and even dance. “
Now, I can stand for longer, jump, and dance without the discomfort I once felt. It feels like a miracle to me,” she said with visible excitement. This transformation not only highlights the physical benefits of the ERT but also underscores the deep impact the training has on the participants’ overall well-being. Through consistent participation in the exercises, Valentine has not only healed, but also developed physical confidence.
Defeating Trauma
This video shares the inspiring story of Enhanced Resilience Training in Nigeria, where participants come together to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and support one another through shared learning and practical skill development. By combining trauma-informed principles with experiential training, ERT empowers individuals to heal, grow, and become leaders of positive change within their families and communities.
Where We Work
We meet survivors where they are. Our programs in Africa and North America use the same proven methods adapted to each community’s needs.
