Ihumure Youth Club Association in Musanze Lead the Way in Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion

By Fred Mfuranzima 

Musanze, Rwanda — Young people in Musanze are proving that peace is not just a word spoken in conferences, but a living practice that can transform entire communities. At the center of this movement is the Ihumure Youth Club Organization, a grassroots initiative driven by the belief that reconciliation, dialogue, and creativity can heal wounds and build a stronger future.

Founded by Hassan Dukuzumuremyi, the club began as a small circle of conversations in local neighborhoods. Today, it has grown into a powerful youth-led movement inspiring change far beyond Musanze. Its vision is simple yet profound: to create a society “characterized by happiness, development, and sustainable peace.”

“When young people are given the chance to lead, they become ambassadors of unity, hope, and transformation,” Hassan explained. “Peace is not just a national policy—it must be lived every day, in homes, schools, and communities.”

Through youth dialogues on reconciliation and leadership, cultural activities that weave together tradition and modern creativity, and community service projects, the Ihumure Youth Club is fostering trust and solidarity. They also actively support people through umuganda (community work), contributing to both physical development and social cohesion. These efforts have brought together young people and elders alike, creating rare spaces of intergenerational healing and collaboration.

For many, the club has become more than an organization—it has become a family. A passionate member, shared: “Here, I discovered my voice. I learned that peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is the courage to listen, to reconcile, and to dream together. Through this club, I believe my contribution matters.”

The ripple effects are evident across Musanze: young people are stepping into community leadership, misunderstandings among peers are being replaced with dialogue, and neighborhoods are rediscovering a sense of unity and belonging.

Culture has played a key role in this journey. Poetry, painting, storytelling, and performing arts are used not merely for entertainment, but as powerful tools for reconciliation and identity. “We use art and dialogue because they open hearts,” Hassan reflected. “A song or a story can make it easier to discuss painful truths. Culture builds a bridge toward peace.”

They also provides a safe space known as Nyomora Nkomore, dedicated to mental health and community healing. Here, young people and families alike can share their struggles, find comfort, and rebuild trust through collective support.

One story that shines through this work is that of Ingabire Yvone. “She comes from a survivor’s family, while her husband is from a family that was involved in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi”. “At first, their families opposed their union. But through the dialogues we facilitate, they found a path to healing. Today, not only do they live in harmony, but their families have reconciled and built mutual respect.” This story, once unimaginable, is now a living testimony to the power of dialogue and forgiveness.

Across Rwanda, the role of youth as peacebuilders is being increasingly recognized. Far from being passive recipients of change, young people like those in Musanze are actively shaping the nation’s future, proving that reconciliation is not the responsibility of one generation alone but a shared commitment.

The Musanze initiative is more than a local project—it is a beacon of hope. It shows the world that peace is not abstract, but something that can be nurtured daily through service, creativity, and the courage to confront painful histories with open hearts.

“Peace is not given; it is built,” Hassan concluded with conviction. “And our generation is ready to build it.”