The mission of the Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Services (THARS) is to promote the post-war healing and reconciliation process in Burundi through the work of psychosocial practitioners and peacemakers. Their staff use a holistic approach, bringing together people from different groups to contribute to the recovery and re-establishment of peace across the Great Lakes region. THARS's work includes:

• Helping victims of torture and sexual violence to embark on the healing process;
• Facilitating various workshops, conferences, and seminars on healing and conflict transformation;
• Involving communities in resisting violence through peace clubs and conflict transformation initiatives;
• Rescuing children from hostile environments and reintegrating them back to normal life;
• Rehabilitating vulnerable women through self-help group initiatives and supporting group activities such as basket making, quilting, sewing and soap making.

Conflict Transformation and Trauma Healing

This project reaches deep into local communities to address reconciliation, equip volunteers, support locally-based organisations, empower the vulnerable and promote a true culture of lasting peace and development. Since 2002, these initiatives have provided a series of capacity building workshops, seminars and psychosocial activities. They involve people from various social backgrounds, including community leaders and representatives of grassroots organisations. The success this project has had in Burundi has prompted THARS to develop it further into Rwanda and East DR Congo.