Association Modeste et Innocent (AMI) was established in 2000 and is very involved in conflict resolution and the reconciliation process in Rwanda. AMI is well known for bringing together former genocide perpetrators and genocide survivors for true and frank reconciliation.
AMI has been very committed in the peaceful resolution of Rwanda's conflicts. For example, after the Gacaca trials (the local process that bought genocide perpetrators to justice) in Rwanda people found guilty of destroying and looting property during the genocide were ordered to pay back what they took/destroyed. However most of them are financially incapable and this raised many social conflicts as many Rwandans are very poor. AMI proposed an innovative approach to solve this problem and enabled people to handle restitution issues without using coercive measures.
Programmes
Promoting culture of peace, conflict management and reconciliation
Through this programme AMI is facilitating a deep reconciliation process between Rwandans. To achieve this goal, AMI is working on a process of confidence-building and having a protected space of expression - which AMI see as the necessary requirements to start a social dialogue. Particular emphasis is placed on reconciliation between genocide survivors and people who have served time in prison for genocide crimes.
Civic participation program
This programme has the objective of strengthening the positive commitment and effectiveness of citizens to play a part in the economic, political, social and cultural future of their country. AMI educates people about responsible citizenship, with a particular stress on the education of rights and duties of the citizen, the reinforcement of citizens’ participation in the identification of priorities and follow-up of the implementation of the national budget.
Trauma healing program
This programme provides psychosocial rehabilitation to the most vulnerable, including survivors of genocide, prisoners and ex-prisoners. AMI uses a community-based approach of therapy which aims at getting the whole community involved in taking care of people.
Peace education program
This area of intervention addresses the need for the creation of a mentality geared towards peace in Rwanda. It pays special attention to young people through its "Club Speak," which represents a learning space for the art of dialogue and the search for the solutions to conflicts through negotiation. Within this framework, AMI also works to reduce domestic violence, to promote gender equality, to settle land disputes and marital strife as well as other conflicts which disturb harmony in the community.
