Mercer University from USA, on May 22, opened a two weeks professional training in business skills and trauma narratives therapy in fostering resilience to Rwandan Genocide Survivor’s Graduates Association (GAERG) members.

The dual partnership’s initiative underway at St Paul in Kigali is set to empower 200 GAERG members with valuable skills and support, as the nation reflects on the 100-days commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

This innovative course aims to equip participants' assistance and empowerment with business’ know-how and trauma narrative therapy, enabling them to build resilience and create a brighter future.

Mercer University’s renowned faculty, with extensive experience in mental health counseling and entrepreneurship, have meticulously designed a curriculum tailored to the unique needs of GAERG members.

The training program in Entrepreneurship will cover a range of topics, including marketing, business management, and finance and accounting skills.

Participants will learn to harness their entrepreneurial potential, laying the foundation for successful ventures and economic independence.

Initially, ‘Mercer University on mission of service initiative’ was launched by President Paul Kagame in September 14, 2014, on the invitation to speak about Rwanda’s vision and business opportunities existed by then.

President Kagame addressing Rwanda’s efforts to attain self-reliance at the event said "we may not want aid, but we need it. [And] the best way to use it is in the way that we need less of it.”

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Dr David Lane, professor of counseling at Mercer University emphasized the importance of the initiative.

"Participants will learn how to assess people with traumatic mentality, understand their stories and how to move forward with their current life and let the past be the past.”

David believes "trainees will be empowered with the ability to take back their stories, lives and certainly make good decisions in their lives without trauma.”

He further recommended that participants must be keen to get out with a package to serve others especially in therapeutic communities and be able to help them.

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Following David’s remarks, Etienne Musonera, a Professor of Marketing School of Business at the same campus said "Entrepreneurship courses specifically address the unique challenges by GAERG members in building resilience and developing business skills.”

"Not only will they be taught about just having entrepreneurship skills but also be able to come up with business and marketing plans when they need to start a small business.” he revealed.

Among the recognized trainees was Macrina Sano Bayingana 31, who calls fellow youth to pay attention to their mental health and never look down on their own.

Expectantly, Sano said: "the little taught today plus more expected to come, she will be an ambassador rather than keeping those skills with less productivity.”

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According to Jean Pierre Nkuranga, GAERG president: "self-reliance is one of the essential assets because hopeless people can never engage in productive life hence poverty.”

"The launch of this training program marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable empowerment for Genocide survivors,” he said.

By combining mental health support with entrepreneurship education, Mercer University and GAERG are providing a transformative opportunity for individuals to reclaim their lives and contribute to the communities.