Messages of Hope: Using Positive Stories of Survival to Assist Recovery in Rwanda

A groundbreaking initiative, 'Messages of Hope,' demonstrates that positive storytelling by genocide survivors can significantly aid recovery and foster hope. The program encourages Rwandan survivors to share their stories of survival, growth, and healing, countering the pervasive narrative of trauma. By focusing on future-oriented narratives, it aims to increase feelings of efficacy and connectedness, leveraging research showing the benefits of hopefulness and social support for vulnerable populations. This study outlines the development and early implementation of the initiative, highlighting its potential as a model for other contexts of vulnerability.

Lala, G., McGarty, C., Thomas, E. F., Ebert, A., Broderick, M., Mhando, M., & Kamuronsi, Y. (2014). Messages of Hope: Using Positive Stories of Survival to Assist Recovery in Rwanda. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 2(1), 450–468. https://doi.org/10.5964/jspp.v2i1.290