The Million Lives: Who We Are
The Million Lives is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2017 to empower
the Rwandan genocide survivors and the next generation with coping skills to overcome
their traumatic experiences.
The impact of bloodshed, violence, and PTSD is dire on the African continent. According to recent studies, 27% of people living on the continent are directly affected by these issues. Unfortunately, there seems to be a general lack of public awareness or knowledge about the mental health consequences of mass trauma and its impact on public health in communities.
Why in Rwanda?
The Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi, which took place from April to July 1994, is one of the most brutal genocides in human history. With unprecedented violence, the genocide resulted in the loss of 1,074,017 lives, including Tutsi and some Hutu politicians opposed to the Genocide ideology. Children witnessed the slaughter of their parents, and an estimated 25,000 kids were born from rape.
The consequences of the Rwandan genocide are diverse and multi-faceted, ranging from the loss of social fabrics and economic breakdown to PTSD. Research shows that 80% of genocide survivors surveyed showed signs of trauma (PTSD). Survivors continue to face loneliness, fear, feelings of emptiness, and a sense of rejection even 28 years after the genocide. Moreover, the problem of PTSD persists among the genocide survivors and continues to be transmitted from one generation to another.
To help address this issue, Million Lives aims to provide funding for counseling, education, and job skills training for Rwandan genocide survivors and their children through a local system of trained professionals. By supporting survivors’ mental health and providing them with the necessary tools to rebuild their lives, Million Lives hopes to promote healing and resilience in the Rwandan community.