About Us
We are Nkwihoreze, Arts for Resilience
Our overall aim is the creation of new tools, materials, and approaches to promote and facilitate intergenerational dialogue through the arts on sensitive topics within families (including loss, absence, conflict, mental distress, and memory) to improve well-being among children and families and enhance the capacity of professionals working with children and families in using creative and arts-based approaches. Learn more by watching our films here.
“Thank you so much. Since becoming part of ...Nkwihoreze... I have learned the importance of communicating with my children, which helps them feel better.”
(Parent feedback)
“Art has freed me to transform from the inside out, allowing me to reinvent an unexpected and beautiful future.“
(Dorcus, young facilitator)
“Nkwihoreze has shown me that I am valuable.”
(Jeannette, young facilitator)
Meet the Nkwihoreze Team
Our Young Facilitators and Psychosocial Workers are the heart of the project.
Sandrine AKINGENEYE
Young Facilitator
Blaise
NDIZIHIWE
Young Facilitator
Sylvain
BIRANGWA
Young Facilitator
Liliane
UMUHOZA
Young Facilitator
Aliane NYIRAMUTANGWA
Young Facilitator
Dorcas MUSHIMIYIMANA
Young Facilitator
Diane
ISHIMWE
Young Facilitator
Reuben
MUGISHA
Young Facilitator
Leonard
NYIRINGABO
Young Facilitator
Happy
IRADUKUNDA
Young Facilitator
Jeannette RUKUNDORWIMANA
Young Facilitator
Annabelle
BAHINDA
Young Facilitator
Sandra TETA KAZINGUVU
Young Facilitator/Artist
Dative
MUKIZA
Psychosocial Worker
Angelo MUTANGANA
Young Facilitator/Artist
Gilbert
UWIRORA
Psychosocial Worker
Emmanuel KIGUNDU
Psychosocial Worker
Dative MUSABYEYEZU
Psychosocial Worker
Salama
RUKUNDO
Psychosocial Worker
Donatha NYIRANDAYAMBAJE
Psychosocial Worker
Sylvain HABYARIMANA
Psychosocial Worker
Danny NTAKIRUTIMANA
Psychosocial Worker
Co-Principal investigator
Kirrily PELLS
Kirrily's research, teaching and public engagement are in the field of critical childhood studies and her work concerns global childhoods and children's rights especially in relation to violence, memory, peace, and social justice. Across her research projects is a focus on creative arts, arts-based methods, and co-production. Kirrily is based at UCL, London where she is an Associate Professor in Childhood as well as a member of the Critical Childhood Studies Research Group.
Co-Principal investigator
Chaste UWIHOREYE
As well as being the Co-PI on this project Chaste is a clinical psychologist, with a PhD in psychotherapy and served as a Director of Uyisenga Ni Imanzi where he has established programmes that provide social, emotional, psychological and economic support for children, families and communities. He often presents at conferences and events on the topics of trauma, resilience and education and mental health of children and young people. Chaste is based in Rwanda but also travels abroad for public engagement events and training.
Project Coordinator/Research assistant
Jean Marie Viannney ZIVUGUKURI
Jean Marie is a Clinical psychologist and programs manager at Uyisenga Ni Imanzi, working alongside Chaste. He has experience teaching children with Autism and other SEN. He is currently completing a Master's degree in narrative therapy and community work at University of Melbourne. Jean Marie is based in Rwanda.
Project Photographer & Filmmaker
Fernando MUGISHA
Fernando is a cinematographer and the dedicated project photographer and filmmaker. Fernando's early career saw him working as a videographer at the National Museum of Culture and Heritage, honing his skills in capturing the rich history and heritage of Rwanda. He has been involved in documenting projects including Tour Du Rwanda (a cycling tournament) and Umva-Visualizing Peace (a three-part documentary series, focused on mental health issues). Fernando is committed to using cinema as a tool for advocacy and social change.
Knowledge Exchange Officer
Kristýna SKRICZKA
Kristýna is committed to addressing complex societal challenges at the intersections of children’s rights, mental health, and sustainability through the use of holistic approaches and creative research methods. She likes to utilise art and creativity in research knowledge exchange, dissemination and public engagement. Kristýna’s research work is enriched by her background in private sector operations, event management, and creative endeavours in film, book publishing, and art. She is based
at UCL, London.
