Christian based counseling institute establishes in Kigali



Kigali, May 07 (RNA) - A Christian based body, the Christian Center for Counseling and Conflict Resolution with C.C.C.R acronym has been established in Kigali to help care for people affected with psychosocial problems as after effects of genocide in Rwanda, RNA has established.



The new counseling institute will mostly help people who were affected by the genocide, victims of different violence like abused children and also support in educating and resolving of conflicts for disadvantaged groups.



"The main objective of this institute is care for the underprivileged people who are victims of genocide and social violence", states Mr. Ignace Kabano, the Founder and head of C.C.C.R. "Our counseling center will have all requirements for people who have mental health problems".



The center began in December 2007 partnering with the National University of Rwanda (UNR) and with support from research students at the university who particularly help in social work and clinic psychology.



Striving to achieve its objectives the Christian Center for Counseling and Conflict Resolution has partnered with Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church.



The Californian based Saddleback Church has started sending over health experts. "Saddleback Church voluntarily helps us by sending over experts to help the C.C.C.R", states Mr. Kabano.



Ms. Janine Murray, is an American health expert who has been in Rwanda to help in counseling. "People in Rwanda experienced tragic periods and lost hope, we want to help in restoring hope to the people", says Ms. Murray.



According to Ms. Murray, they will be working with local churches and communities in establishing a favorable environment for children. Ms. Murray says that in reducing street children incidences much has to be done starting from their communities of origin.



"To keep these children off the streets is not enough. It is necessary to work with their communities of origin, churches and leaders to ensure a favorable environment is created for them".



The center plans to work with hospitals, prisons, schools and all organizations mandated in resolving social conflicts.



Mr. Kabano is very optimistic that the counseling center will not be limited to providing services to only Rwandans but extend to other regional countries and this is also supported by the Saddleback Church.



For Ms. Murray similar programs exists in China and Malawi and Rwanda will work as the model for future establishment of counseling and conflict resolution centers in the region.



Traveling to Rwanda with Ms. Janine Murray was a lawyer turned Police Office, Mr. Dan Goldsmith who was in the country to help train Rwanda's National Police in legal areas, safety and protection of the victims.



The Christian Center for Counseling and Conflict Resolution together with the Saddleback Church have drawn a plan called the PEACE Plan symbolizing Promoting reconciliation, Equipping servant leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the Sick and Educating the next generation (End)



ARI-RNA/Soc/N.S/ 07. 05. 08/ 15: 20 GMT



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