Mbyo Reconciliation Village
Terry Riversong 2025
Mbyo Reconciliation Village
Terry Riversong 2025
Mbyo is one of several reconciliation villages in Rwanda. These villages bring together genocide survivors and convicted perpetrators (or their families) in a shared community, as part of Rwanda’s national reconciliation efforts. In Mbyo, the reconciliation is described as “practical reconciliation”: people engage in shared, hands-on activities (rather than just dialogue). More than half of the residents are women, and women play a very active role in reconciliation through community-led economic and social projects.
When I arrived I was greeted with an overwhelming welcoming love. chairs were arranged in a circle. We sat and I listed to the stories from perpetrators and survivors..
Sitting with survivors and perpetrators, hearing their stories of reconciliation. I was deeply touched by the sence of healing and unity.
Preparing food and sharing laughter and a meal together.
After lunch we all walked out to the field where I planted a cassava plant.
One of the most prominent activities is a basket-weaving cooperative, where women gather, weave, and talk. The cooperative helps build trust, provides income, and enables relationship-building across past divisions.
Agaseke basket given to me by the villagers.
A basket I purchased ❤️
Deeply grateful for my interpreter, guide and friend Florence KABENYANA, and for Jaclyn and Aloys j for sharing their stories.