Consolée, 17, Rwanda

Basic need(s):

Health, Education

Project:

"Youth Club"

Consolée is among the generation of post-1994 Rwandans who continue to cope with the aftermath of the atrocities committed during the genocide, including an increase in sexual violence and HIV/AIDS. As leader of "Youth Club," Consolée seeks to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, gender equality, human rights and reconciliation through education, the arts, debates, workshops and income generation. She presents debates and workshops to the community, giving everyone the ability to participate and learn. One initiative of her project also fosters reconciliation by bringing together widows of the genocide and women whose husbands are accused of participating in the genocide to make handicrafts, generating income and discussing the past as well as hope for the future. As a result of her efforts, many young people have received education on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease prevention, and many have voluntarily tested themselves for diseases. In addition, sexual violence is now addressed in the community and perpetrators are punished. And women, no matter their connection to the genocide, are beginning to come together to form a more unified Rwanda. Consolée hopes to change the negative actions of Rwandans into ones based on truth, equality, tolerance and justice.

Photo: Benjamin Quinto