Make Your Voice Heard

SFCG Rwanda staff walk in the Peace March. Country Director, Rebecca Besant is in the center.

Every September 21^st, the UN General Assembly invites all members to observe the International Day of Peace by commemorating and promoting the ideals of peace and unity. In Rwanda The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) has been preparing for the day all month.  This is the first year that a government institution has organized the day’s festivities, rather than the UN. In addition to other government agencies, non-governmental organizations have also been brought in to help collaborate on the day including, Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace, Imbuto Foundation, Right to Play Rwanda, Profemmes Twese Hamwe, La Benevolencia, Friends Peace House, Fawe Rwanda, Prison Fellowship Rwanda, Shalom Education for Peace and Search for Common Ground!

The theme for 2011 is ‘Make Your Voice Heard,’ and it is the hope of all involved that all Rwandans will use the day to share their ideas and experiences to strive for a more peaceful Rwanda.

There were media campaigns and a peace march in Kigali followed by a concert at Amahoro National Stadium. Search for Common Ground was supporting the day’s activities, focusing on support to the moto riders who were mobilizing participants. Staffers joined the march and also participated in some of the radio programs on the day as panelists.

Additional photos from the event:

Hundreds turned out for the march.

SFCG supported the moto riders who helped mobilize participants for the Peace Walk on 21st of September in Kigali, Rwanda.