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IFPSW
International Foundation for PsychoSocial Wellness

Forgiveness Heals Broken Hearts
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In a letter to the editor on May 13, IFPSW volunteer and Rwandan Genocide survivor Jason Nshimye tells a heart wrenching story of terror and forgiveness.

“I was there 19 years ago when Rwanda fell into unspeakable horror. Years after the Holocaust, “Never Again” changed to one more time…On April 16, my complex was attacked. Thousands of people were killed, simply because of the shape of their noses or their height, as Rwanda had long established stereotypical Tutsi physical features. Every victim who attempted to escape was slashed with machetes. For three months, this happened in every corner of the country…After the genocide, I went on to graduate from nursing school and quickly returned to my home village to provide excellent care to both survivors and genocide suspects. This reconciliation helped me to heal my psychological and spiritual wounds and then become an international human rights activist. If you look for me in the community, I am working at The Hermitage and volunteer at International Foundation for PsychoSocial Wellness.”

Click HERE to read the full letter
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Your Help Changes Lives

Joan* developed AIDS following a gang rape when she was overtaken by a military group in the jungle during the civil war in the

Congo

. With the help of local counselors, she is now a volunteer convincing other Africans that AIDS is not a hex from the witchdoctor for bad behavior. She is also active in helping others accept and prevent the disease by educating communities about HIV, and thus reducing the stigma associated
with it.

Help us give people like "Joan" the opportunity to help other raped and AIDS affected women and children.

After surviving a severe torture session, a young rebel-boy named Jack* came to a hospital in Africa for treatment. He had been so badly injured, it was a wonder he was even alive. However, a few days after discussing the horrific episode in question with a counselor, he divulged that this was the first time that he had not had nightmares about a violent ordeal he had endured. In fact, he told us he had reached a sense of calm in his recuperation process and was very surprised about it.

His experience is an example of the work counselors in the Congo are performing to develop empathy and compassion among those who have been traumatized. Help us help former child soldiers/rebels like Jack* discover techniques to help them channel their range and shame into positive energy and action.

*names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals mentioned
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The IFPSW's work includes:

Providing training and consultation to counselors working with victims of trauma, abuse, or AIDS.

Organizing mentorships for those affected by mental health disorders as well as for those interested in promoting mental health or human rights.

Supporting events and activities relating to mental health issues, human rights, and genocide prevention.

Providing funding to organizations seeking to promote the psychological wellbeing of the populations they serve.