Uganda and Rwanda: Peace and Conflict Studies in the Lake Victoria Basin (Summer)

Educational Excursions

Rwanda Genocide Memorial
Situated at the site of mass burial of the 250,000 victims of Kigali’s genocide, the Kigali Memorial Centre is a place for reflection and learning. Using exhibitions, videos, clippings, and quotes, the memorial explores the history and origins of genocide, its impacts, and the post-genocide period as well as ongoing reconciliation and peace efforts. Many visitors to the memorial cite this as a life-transforming experience.

Ntarama and Nyamata
The churches in Ntarama and Nyamata were sites of mass executions during the Rwandan genocide. Students have a chance to talk with survivors and reflect on the personal impact of the violence. These visits put a human face on the horrific ordeal of genocide and can be emotionally challenging.

Community meeting with returning refugees in Rwanda

Rural communities in northern Uganda
Students undertake carefully prepared visits to rural communities in northern Uganda to experience the dynamics of post-conflict resettlement and recovery, the opportunities and challenges that are encountered at multiple levels, and how these opportunities are forged and challenges are mitigated. Students examine interactions between the government, civil society, NGOs, and local communities.

Nakivaale Refugee Settlement, western Uganda
Originally a refugee camp for the victims of the 1959 Hutu revolution, Nakivaale now hosts thousands of Rwandans displaced during and after the 1994 genocide. The excursion to the settlement exposes students to voices and perspectives that often are neglected in mainstream discourse. The visit prompts discussion as to what gets left out and why in conflict and post-conflict narratives.

Credits: 6

Duration: 6 weeks

Program Base: Gulu, Uganda, and Kigali, Rwanda

Prerequisites: No prerequisites, but students will benefit from a background in peace and conflict resolution, social justice, human rights, and/or African history and politics. Psychological stability and emotional maturity are required in order for students to co Read more...