Togetherness Village

For this month's CONNECTION:

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Togetherness Village was founded by a group of women and men who were left orphaned after the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Emerging from the remnants of one of the most heartbreaking events in humankind’s recent history, it was difficult for the residents to form the foundations of a new community without division and strife.

For many reasons, there were conflicts between members of Togetherness Village after it was established. Years of residual hurts – both physical and emotional – continued to fester as a result of the trauma from the genocide. The overwhelming and desperate struggle for water was one issue that caused even greater rifts in an already divided community.

Because of these deeply rooted wounds, hostility over a vital, yet limited resource such as water often led to fights and even loss of life. Long, arduous walks for water often ended in only the strong claiming the scarce prize. It seemed as if the history of hate that had existed between neighbors would continue.

When Living Water Rwanda in partnership with other organizations drilled a water well within Togetherness Village, the fissures of conflicts began to mend.

The ripple effects of safe water access began to take place. Members of Togetherness Village began to collectively sell the safe water at reasonable prices to neighboring communities. The funds were invested back into their development, financing the purchase of additional livestock, and even the construction of a kindergarten school with employed educators. In the spirit of togetherness, children from all nearby communities were welcome to attend.

Conflicts among community members steadily declined and relationships began to transform now that this necessity to life was available. The hope for a peaceful and unified future that was initially intended for Togetherness Village, filled with people who flourish in both body and mind, is now a reality.

Water is the foundation of life. Though we often associate water with only the physical foundations; for Togetherness Village, water is the foundation to healing, restoration, and reconciliation so that new life can begin.

CONVERSATIONS

Aubrey: Where are they now?

Hear from a Living Water staff member as they provide an update on where Togetherness Village is today.

Listen

REFLECTION

Read the scripture passage, pray for the people of Togetherness Village, and reflect on their story on your own or with a group.