Uganda/Rwanda: Post Conflict Transformation

  Rwanda

Kigali

  Uganda

Kampala

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Sept - Dec or Jan - May

Description: Perhaps no other region in Sub-Saharan Africa has suffered deeper political and civil instability than the Lake Victoria Basin. Conflicts there continue to cause civil dislocation, destruction of life and property as well as drain local and global resources. Uganda has had more military coups than any other country in the region. Though the country has had relative stability since 1986, civil strife in the northern part of the country has continued unabated since then. The Rwandan genocide is a tragic example of the climax of ethnic tensions and their impacts, with close to one million ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutus killed over a 100 day period.

This program utilizes the resources of Makerere University and engages with the active peacebuilding community and non-government agencies within the Lake Victoria Basin. It concentrates on traditional and current conflicts in the basin with particular focus on Rwanda and Uganda. Students will analyze the sources of conflict and root causes, political and social aspects of the genocide, migration and refugee perspectives. The program concludes in Arusha, Tanzania, where students reflect on their experiences and learn more about the United Nations' International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

Highlights: Learn from Two Case Studies
Through the examination of two major case studies in the region, students will begin to understand the complexities of conflict, reconciliation, and efforts towards lasting peace. Uganda has been dealing with the effects of civil strife in the north of the country, which has marked the area with civil dislocation and destruction of life and property, while draining regional resources. The small neighboring nation of Rwanda became the site of an unprecedented genocide in 1994, with more than one million people killed in 100 days.

Explore Many Angles of the Conflicts, Peace Building, and Prospects for the Future
Students study the history, causes, context, and impacts of conflict, along with the prospects for peace and prosperity in the region. Students move beyond the rhetoric and common conventions regarding the conflicts, and learn the complexity and multifaceted nature of the situations. Activities focus on developing an understanding of regional and international responses to the conflict.

Connect with the Community
Interaction with local residents and NGOs provides students with insider perspectives and helps them gain insights from varied viewpoints, including victims of conflict.

Process the Experience with Others
Students need time for reflection, reading, analysis and interpretation of the various issues encountered to best understand the situation. Students experience powerful feelings, emotions, and reactions during the program. Therefore, as an essential part of the experiential education model, the program sets aside plenty of time for discussion, reflection, and group processing.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: yes

Although there are no prerequisites, students should have an understanding of conflict theories and exhibit the sensitivity and maturity required to deal with these difficult and intense subjects. An interview may be required prior to acceptance.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 10-15

Scholarships are Available. About one-third of scholarship applicants receive financial assistance to participate in our programs. Only SIT Study Abroad participants can be considered for SIT Study Abroad scholarships. Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932