In August 2025, the dusty pitches of Mahama Refugee Camp came alive with energy and laughter during the Inter-Camp Tournament for Peaceful Coexistence, organized by RWAMREC with support from GIZ ZFD.
The tournament — part of RWAMREC’s initiative “Promoting Male Engagement in Peacebuilding and Gender Equality in Mahama Refugee Camp and Host Communities” — brought together refugees and host community members to play, connect, and heal through sport.
Beyond competition, the games served as a space for dialogue, emotional recovery, and reflection on healthy masculinity. According to RWAMREC Project Coordinator, Lucie Nzaramba,
“When men play together with a purpose — to cooperate, not dominate — they learn empathy, trust, and respect. That’s how peace begins.”
The project trains community health workers and local leaders to challenge gender norms, while helping couples strengthen communication and partnership. For participants, each goal and handshake symbolized hope — proof that peace can grow even in the most fragile settings.
RWAMREC’s Vision: Care, Equality, and Peace
From family homes in Gakenke to regional forums in Lusaka and sports fields in Mahama, RWAMREC is leading a quiet revolution — one that redefines what it means to be a man.
By engaging men as partners in equality, championing care-centered economies, and promoting peace through empathy, RWAMREC continues to inspire change in Rwanda and beyond.
“True strength lies not in control, but in care,” says Fidele Rutayisire. “When men choose empathy, everyone wins — women, families, and the planet.”