A group of Rwandan poets in late May and early June, were in Paris, France for further learning and deeper experience in poetic consultation mainly on the European and African theatre plays combined with poetic consultation. The participants were selected by Theatre de la Ville Paris. Olivier Tuyisenge, one of the poets who attended the workshop shared that he learnt a lot and is looking forward to using the acquired skills. “I now know how I can deal with emotions and how I can help other people using the arts, without necessarily having a lot of money, but by working hard.” Tuyisenge added that it was a big opportunity for Rwandan Poets as they got to meet fellow creatives from different historical backgrounds, big actors and were trained to expand their horizons. A poet, author of six published books of children's stories, and actress, Carine Maniraguha was also among the benefactors of the initiative. She shared, “One of the biggest lessons for me was that people live differently and receive things differently. So, all issues need to be discussed through poetry because most of them enjoy it very much.” For Jean Bertrand Irakoze, also known as Bareth, a Burundian poet, actor and comedian based in Rwanda, after what they have learnt, he plans to work with his counterparts who attended this workshop to do more. “We plan on going to different places like hospitals, public gatherings, and upcountry to show that art is bold and that we can help so many people to heal from so many silent issues. At the forefront, we want to help those who are struggling with trauma attached to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This will play a huge part in changing the mentality and well-being of so many people.”
