Drawing on the local experiences, knowledge, and wisdom of Rwandan youth can make them agents of healing from the genocide against the Tutsi in ways that are culturally appropriate, relevant, and meaningful. This qualitative study aimed to develop an emerging framework for intervening with youth that is centered in the experiences and cultural context of the Rwandan youth post-genocide. Drawing on Grounded Action research of post-genocide community-led healing practices with a group of 23 high school students, results indicated that "psychological healing" in post-genocide Rwanda may require different approaches than the dominant Western healing models. For research participants, "healing" meant "kongera kwiyubaka" (building ourselves again after the genocide), requiring "kwigira" (self-reliance) and "gusasa inzobe" (openness to share what is in their hearts). This study recommends that scholars, policy makers, and funders reimagine existing models of healing in post-genocide Rwanda and support local initiatives drawing on wisdom from lived experiences.
Keywords: decolonizing mental health; genocide; kongera kwiyubaka; trauma healing.
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