ARCT-Ruhuka

ARCT-Ruhuka (National Organization of professional Trauma Counselors) is a Rwandan non-governmental organization dedicated to trauma counseling and psychosocial support. It evolved from a trauma counseling program implemented by Trocaire, an Irish charity organization, and was formed in 1998 by 13 women trained in therapeutic trauma counseling in 1995. The organization was officially registered as a non-governmental organization in 2004 and later under ministerial decree no 97/11 of 28 July 2007, and is legally registered by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). ARCT-Ruhuka's mission centers on healing trauma, promoting unity, and fostering resilience in Rwandan communities. It provides professional trauma counseling services, community-based psychosocial support, and implements projects focused on mental health, reconciliation, and reintegration. Notable projects include Safe School For Girls (SS4G), Ubuzima Burakomeza Project, Together for Resilience Project, Friendly Environment for Children Project, and Better Environment for Education (BEE). The organization also conducts community outreach, clinical supervision for community psychosocial workers, and awareness campaigns on mental health and suicide prevention. Since its founding with 13 members, ARCT-Ruhuka has grown to 123 members. In 2022, it developed a new five-year strategic plan for 2023–2027, which updated its vision and mission based on previous evaluations. The organization is governed by a board led by Chairperson Kaligirwa Annonciata, with Nsanzabandi Jean Claude as Vice Chairperson, NTAWUHIGIMANA Jeannette as Secretary, Esperance Mukamana as Treasurer, and Mukeshimana Consolée as Board Member. ARCT-Ruhuka collaborates with partners such as AJPRODHO on projects like DUHUZE (connect), a 1.2 billion Rwf initiative. Its work addresses critical social issues including mental health stigma, suicide prevention, and community reconciliation.

ARCT-Ruhuka's origins trace back to 1995, when Trocaire, an Irish charity organization, trained 13 women in therapeutic trauma counseling. This initiative was a response to the profound psychological wounds left by the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In 1998, these efforts coalesced into the formation of ARCT-Ruhuka as the National Organization of professional Trauma Counselors. The organization was officially registered as a non-governmental organization in 2004, and later under ministerial decree no 97/11 of 28 July 2007, and is legally registered by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). From its initial 13 members, ARCT-Ruhuka has grown to 123 members, expanding its reach across Rwanda. It has implemented numerous projects addressing trauma healing, reconciliation, and community resilience. Key initiatives include the Safe School For Girls (SS4G) project, the Ubuzima Burakomeza Project, the Together for Resilience Project, the Friendly Environment for Children Project, and the Better Environment for Education (BEE) project. The organization also conducts community outreach, provides clinical supervision for community psychosocial workers, and runs awareness campaigns on mental health and suicide prevention. In 2022, ARCT-Ruhuka developed a new five-year strategic plan for 2023–2027, building on previous strategic plans and evaluation recommendations. This plan led to slight changes in the organization's vision and mission statements. ARCT-Ruhuka collaborates with partners such as AJPRODHO, with whom it launched the DUHUZE (connect) project worth 1.2 billion Rwf. The organization continues to play a vital role in Rwanda's mental health landscape, addressing stigma and promoting healing.

• 2022

  Developed a new five-year strategic plan for 2023–2027.

• 2022

  Launched DUHUZE (connect) project with AJPRODHO worth 1.2 billion Rwf.

• 2007

  Registered under ministerial decree no 97/11 of 28 July 2007.

• 2004

  Officially registered as a non-governmental organization.

• 1998

  ARCT-Ruhuka formed as National Organization of professional Trauma Counselors.

• 1995

  Trocaire trains 13 women in therapeutic trauma counseling.

National professional organization providing trauma counseling and psychosocial support in Rwanda.

• Safe School For Girls (SS4G)

  Project promoting safe and supportive school environments for girls.

• Ubuzima Burakomeza Project

  Project focused on health and resilience.

• Together for Resilience Project

  Project building community resilience.

• Friendly Environment for Children Project

  Project creating child-friendly environments.

• Better Environment for Education (BEE)

  Project improving educational environments.

1. 1Arct Ruhuka – National Organization of professional Trauma Counselorsarctruhuka.org
2. 2Background – Arct Ruhukaarctruhuka.org
3. 3Board Member – Arct Ruhukaarctruhuka.org
4. 4ARCT-Ruhukawikidata.org