TCNJ

27 FALL 2024 Madison Trost '22, graduate student at University of Edinburgh One of the locations we went to was Prison Fellowship Rwanda, where they examine how female perpetrators are treated in society. Women who committed genocidal acts were treated very differently from men when it came to being accepted back into society. Women in Rwandan culture are part of two families: their own parents' and their husband's family. However, after the genocide, both families tended to shun and refuse to claim women who had participated. I felt as though these women were being hidden in the narrative of reconciliation, and forgotten. My takeaway from this experience was not only how massively impactful the genocide was on everyone in Rwanda, but also how important my interest in women perpetrators is to understanding how genocides happen, and how important it is to accurately represent the actions of women in genocides. Brianna Pollock '26, history major What stood out to me the most about how Rwandans have rebuilt is the three core philosophies that have emerged in their efforts: unity, accountability, and a determination to think big. First, nearly all sectors of Rwandan life, from basic necessities to reconstruction to mental health, are now connected in some form (mostly through the government), with the goal of becoming as singular as possible to prevent any future divisions. Next, accountability emerges through understanding just how many average civilians took part in the genocide. As the country rehabilitates those citizens, it also works to prevent any further egregious acts through systems designed to keep people in check (for example, the phone numbers of services and supervisors are publicly available for anyone to call in case of violations). Finally, thinking big is the most abstract of the governing core philosophies, but shows itself through the levels of unity and accountability the country has reached that go beyond what anyone could have expected. Brittany Hamilton '15, middle school history teacher I found myself continuously impressed with the kindness and openness of the people. There was no question we asked that they found too rude to answer. Visiting the sites of the massacres was heavy. There were two former Catholic churches that held the clothing and remains of hundreds of victims each. Just walking inside, you could feel the pain and memory in the place. It hurt. Every person and place in the world will define forgiveness differently. In Rwanda, it is such a tangible element of their culture. Survivors of the genocide are living next door to perpetrators of the genocide, and their children are marrying one another. It's a beautiful testament to the power of forgiveness. Anjanae Haqq '03, and her daughter, Naabiah After spending two weeks in Rwanda with my youngest daughter of four children, I'm optimistic she will recognize she sits in a place of privilege and will use her talents and resources to do good in the world. I'm undoubtedly believing she was inspired by the young adults in Rwanda to become a positive proof of change. Rwanda is a place where people live with a purpose; a place of unity, cooperative economics, creativity, collective work and accountability; a place that values the environment (with streets cleaner than most suburban streets I've traveled on in America); a place where people are proud to be who they are; a real-life Wakanda in action; and a place that will remain forever in my heart. ■ Clockwise from top L: Learning about sustainable cooking that uses wood pellets instead of charcoal; Naabiah Haqq at a meeting with M-Hub, an organization that brings survivors and perpetrators into conversation with one another; faculty co-leader Cynthia Paces relaxes in the Niyo Art Gallery and coffeehouse; the full TCNJ group at Gisimba Memorial Center; and Maria Dimian '25 with a perpetrator of the genocide at Prison Fellowship Rwanda. FACING PAGE: CYNTHIA PACES

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