Isōko Centre for Humanity
A global hub dedicated to peacebuilding, innovation, and applied research, rooted in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction journey
A global hub dedicated to peacebuilding, innovation, and applied research, rooted in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction journey.
The Isōko Centre for Humanity is a groundbreaking institution dedicated to cultivating peace worldwide, rooted in Rwanda’s remarkable post-genocide reconstruction journey. Located in Bugesera—a region that experienced the full arc of genocide and now exemplifies reconciliation—the Centre combines four integrated pillars: Peace Education and Skills Development, Atrocity Prevention and Advocacy, Healing Peacebuilders, and a Museum for the Future. Built on Aegis Trust’s two decades of peacebuilding work in Rwanda, Isōko serves as a launchpad to export proven peacekeeping models globally, addressing today’s pressing challenges including identity-based violence, climate change impacts, and food insecurity through applied peacebuilding approaches.
Peace & Values Education and Skills Development
The Isōko Center for Humanity provides a global transformative initiative designed to equip individuals and groups with skills needed to navigate and resolve violent conflict constructively. Rooted in Rwanda’s experience and the principles of nonviolence, respect, and mutual understanding, we empower participants to become agents of positive change. We support the application of peace education in practice through tailored and contextual in person and virtual sessions capacity building workshops. We also address hate speech and incitement, investing in social entrepreneurs drawn from communities at risk, as well as civility and values training at workplaces. Curriculum development – with interactive modules – is based on critical thinking, ethical leadership, community engagement, empathy, compassion, integrity and human dignity. Practical tools for peaceful communication, dialogue facilitation and non-violent conflict transformation will be availed to participants. In a global world marked by division, peace education is a necessity. The Isōko programs foster environments where peaceful co-existence becomes a lived reality.
Preventing Atrocity Crimes (Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity)
The Isōko Center for Humanity brings together opposing factions from conflict zones globally, creating neutral ground for facilitated dialogue and concrete conflict resolution. Workshops engage participants in learning directly from Rwanda’s reconciliation process, while research contributes to early warning, policy development and strategic advocacy to prevent, mitigate and end large-scale identity-based violence where it is a high risk or already happening. The combination of direct intervention with opposing groups, evidence-based policy creation and strategic advocacy provides a comprehensive approach to halting identity-based violence before it escalates.
Advocacy - Research, Policy and Campaigns
At the heart of our mission to build lasting peace and prevent atrocity crimes globally is a strategic pillar that drives systemic change through evidence-based action and people-centered engagement. Dedicated to shaping policies, influencing decision-makers, and amplifying the voices of communities affected by violent conflict, we conduct in-depth research to uncover the root causes of violence, transforming findings into actionable policy recommendations and compelling advocacy campaigns. Through partnerships, our campaigns mobilize public awareness and movements to challenge harmful narratives and promote justice, reconciliation, and nonviolent solutions. From local peace dialogues to international policy forums, our work bridges the gap between research and real-world impact—empowering communities, informing change, and advancing the global peace agenda.
Healing For Peacebuilders
Isōko will offer essential respite and psychological support for frontline peace workers and trauma counsellors, serving approximately 500 individuals annually. Recognizing that peacebuilding carries significant emotional costs, the Center will provide professional psychological support, burnout prevention programs, and structured recovery activities in a secluded environment designed for renewal. This pillar acknowledges that sustainable peace work requires sustainable peacebuilders, creating an ecosystem of care that strengthens the field’s long-term effectiveness. The Isōko sanctuary’s private counselling spaces, meditation areas and wellness facilities will create an environment where those who heal others can themselves be healed.
Museum for the Future
More than a traditional museum, this interactive space will engage visitors in understanding both global historical conflicts and solutions for building lasting peace. Projected to welcome 50,000 visitors in its first year, the Museum will connect Rwanda’s journey with global peacebuilding efforts through immersive exhibits demonstrating how communities slide into violence and, crucially, the pathway out. Visitors will actively participate in peacebuilding networks and activities, transforming tourists into potential changemakers. The facility will include a 3,000-seat conference space, enabling major global gatherings focused on peace and reconciliation.
Isōko Leadership
The Isōko Centre for Humanity team builds upon the Aegis Trust’s two decades of groundbreaking work in Rwanda. Led by Global President Alice Wairimu Nderitu, former UN Under-Secretary General and Special Advisor on Genocide Prevention, together with Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust, the team brings together experts in peace education, conflict resolution, trauma healing and policy development. Nderitu’s extensive experience in genocide prevention efforts at the United Nations provides critical leadership as the Centre expands its mission to export peace from Rwanda to communities worldwide, addressing today’s pressing global challenges through applied peacebuilding.
Isōko: the meaning
Isōko means source; fountain; market in Kinyarwanda.
The Isōko Centre for Humanity is a source of hope, a wellspring of peace, and a marketplace where people come together to exchange ideas and learn in Rwanda from Rwandans.
Supporters
Supporters of the Isōko Center for Humanity include Auburn Seminary, Bridgeway Foundation, Champion Humanity Enterprise, Creative Visions, Diamond Family Foundation, Hilton Foundation, Marriott Corporation, Medical College of Wisconsin, One Acre Fund, Pears Foundation, Pfizer Foundation, Swedish International Development Agency, Templeton World Charity Foundation and Wellspring Philanthropic Fund.
