Portraits of Reconciliation
          - Rwandan Reconciliation after 20 years of genocide

KARORERO, SURVIVOR: “Sometimes justice does not give someone a satisfactory answer — cases are subject to corruption. But when it comes to forgiveness willingly granted, one is satisfied once and for all. When someone is full of anger, he can lose his mind. But when I granted forgiveness, I felt my mind at rest.”

Wow. What a powerful piece. It is so encouraging to see that forgiveness and reconciliation still occurs after what may have seemed like a hopeless situation. Portraits of Reconciliation captures a glimpse of the unity that has began within the Rwandan community in order to move toward progress. After being released from prison and training on the power of reconciliation , perpetrators and their families request pardon from survivors whom they have deeply wronged. The forgiveness is granted by survivors. Although the level of forgiveness and trust differ for each individual, a desire to move forward has been expressed. This is such an incredible example of what the human heart is capable of when pride is set aside. Humanity has the ability and privilege of reconciliation. As the liberalist may say, progress and growth can still occur overtime.   

Zahabu Lenning 
PSC 102 

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/06/magazine/06-pieter-hugo-rwanda-portraits.html?smid=fb-nytimes&WT.z_sma=MG_POR_20140404&bicmp=AD&bicmlukp=WT.mc_id&bicmst=1388552400000&bicmet=1420088400000&_r=2