Rwanda Trains Teachers as Peacebuilders

Why this is here: Aegis Trust reports that 94 percent of teachers trained through the ASPIRE Programme consistently integrate Peace Values Education into their classrooms and mentor peers.

In Rwanda, Aegis Trust’s ASPIRE Programme is training teachers to become peacebuilders, starting with Groupe Scolaire Nduba in Gasabo District. Teacher Gisèle Hirwa initially expected skills to improve her teaching, but now leads peace initiatives involving over 600 students. She discovered many students faced trauma and social issues, leading her to connect them with counseling and create a student-led newsletter, The Harmony.

Over the past four years, Aegis Trust has engaged more than 100,000 people—teachers, parents, youth, and community members—in peacebuilding efforts. Research by Professor Dr.

Aggée Shyaka Mugabe shows schools with fully embraced peace education became hubs for non-violence. The program has also supported over 50 research projects and produced policy briefs on topics like gender equality.

Though the first phase of ASPIRE is ending, stakeholders emphasize the need to sustain these values. Challenges remain in scaling up the program and addressing the mental health needs of youth affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The work of building lasting peace continues through ongoing training and community engagement.