Around 50 youth leaders from across Rwanda came together for a multi-day capacity-building workshop in the Kigali Community Peace Centre at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, 1-4 May. Organized by Aegis Trust in partnership with Creative Visions, the training marked the first phase of the “Expanding Peace through Community-Based Intergenerational Dialogue” project, which aims to empower youth organizations that are actively promoting peace within their communities.

Recognizing the pivotal role that young people play in shaping a peaceful future, the workshop was designed to equip participants with practical tools and skills to strengthen their projects and scale their impact. Representing 10 youth organizations drawn from Aegis’ three Community Peace Centres in Kigali, Huye, Nyagatare and surrounding districts, participants explored topics such as project design and planning, community-based research, budgeting, organizational development and sustainability.

“We are seeing powerful ideas and actions being led by youth in their communities,” said Benitha Habiyambere, in charge of the Youth Unit at Aegis Trust. “However, many of these organizations lack the structure and resources to sustain or grow their efforts. This workshop is about bridging that gap—giving them the tools to do more and do it better.”

The training curriculum also addressed cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and peace and values education—ensuring that the participants’ work remains inclusive and forward-thinking.

One participant, Umwari Abby Benie, an Aegis Youth Champion from Kigali, reflected on the experience:

“This training was a game-changer. We now know how to turn our ideas into structured, impactful projects. The knowledge I’ve gained here will help our organization grow, and I can’t wait to share it with my team at the Amani Training Programme.”

Beyond the workshop, the journey continues. Participants will receive continued coaching, mentorship and access to funding opportunities to support the growth of their peace initiatives.