Like building a house with a strong foundation, we approach community transformation systematically and sustainably.
A three-stage process to sustainable community transformation
Umusingi
Touching Hearts Transforming Communities (THTC)
Touching Hearts Transforming Communities (THTC) marks the foundational pillar of DIR's peacebuilding framework. Under this program, DIR facilitates immersive workshops designed to support trauma-affected individuals and divided communities through every stage of healing and reconciliation. By bringing together 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi survivors, offenders, and community members struggling with psychosocial trauma, THTC provides the tools and safe environment needed to heal historical wounds, foster genuine forgiveness, and rebuild broken social fabric.
Mvura Nkuvure
Community Based Sociotherapy - Mvura Nkuvure
Following the 3–5 day Touching Hearts Transforming Communities (THTC) workshop, participants transition into Community-Based Sociotherapy (CBS). Group members meet weekly for 15 three-hour sessions, creating a safe space to share their healing journeys and provide mutual emotional, social, and economic support. These sociotherapy groups serve as a vital platform for rebuilding trust and restoring the foundation of community cohesion.
Umusangiro
Community Common Wealth - Umusangiro
Lasting social cohesion cannot exist in isolation from basic human needs. The Umusangiro Project uniquely bridges peacebuilding and community development by addressing the critical issues facing households today—poverty, malnutrition, healthcare, and education. By delivering an integrated response, we protect hard-won unity and build thriving, self-reliant communities.
Initial Healing & Forgiveness
3-5 Days
Sustained Support & Community Rebuilding
15 Weeks
Sustainable Transformation & Development
Ongoing
How we approach transformation
Communities lead their own transformation. We facilitate, not impose solutions.
We honor and integrate Rwanda's cultural heritage, including Ubuntu philosophy.
Our programs are grounded in proven methodologies and proven approaches to healing.
We understand trauma's impact and create safe spaces for healing and recovery.
We address psychological, social, economic, spiritual, and environmental dimensions.
We partner with communities, government, NGOs, and other stakeholders for maximum impact.
We build capacity and ownership so communities sustain transformation independently.
We ensure all voices are heard: survivors, offenders, youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
CBS is the cornerstone of DIR's transformation work. It's a structured group process where participants meet weekly to share experiences, provide mutual support, and work through trauma together.
Format
Weekly group meetings
Duration
3 hours per session, 15 sessions total
Participants
Survivors, offenders, and community members
Focus
Emotional, social, and economic support
Outcome
Transformed relationships and community cohesion
Our Philosophy
Our approach is rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy—an African worldview emphasizing shared humanity, interdependence, and collective wellbeing. This philosophy guides everything we do and informs our understanding that individual healing is impossible without community healing.
Shared Humanity
Mutual Care
Collective Transformation
We work with the most vulnerable and affected communities
Genocide survivors seeking healing
Perpetrators pursuing reconciliation
Trauma-affected individuals and families
Refugees in camps seeking integration
Youth at risk of substance abuse
Women and children in vulnerable situations
Communities divided by conflicts
Rural and marginalized populations
Leaders committed to transformation
Whether you want to participate, volunteer, or support our work, there are many ways to be part of healing and transformation.
Get Involved Today→