By Taylor Smith | Community Engagement Advocate
Eddyne doesn’t remember much about her birthplace.
Her family called the DR Congo home for more than 40 years, yet when ethnic conflicts forced them to pack their bags, Eddyne, only 6 years old at the time, was left with few memories of Congo.
Rwanda would be her new home, now, and it has been home for the past 15 years. It’s where she and her siblings have played games to pass the time, where she began her education, and where she grew in deep connection to her neighbors as she worked with Rwandan genocide survivors.
From an early age, Eddyne was drawn to people’s stories. When someone spoke to her about their challenges, she listened. It didn’t matter how old the person was, or where they came from - Eddyne wanted to listen to them all.
‘Does everyone have a heart that opens to those experiencing pain?’ Eddyne wondered, for it was truly the case for her.
She can’t pinpoint it to one moment, but Eddyne has always known that she was meant to be a counselor. When it came time to choose her course of study at university, psychology was the obvious choice.
Throughout the last four years at the National University of Rwanda, Eddyne has learned countless skills in her classes that have helped her better understand how the brain works, and how debilitating emotional trauma can be.
Beyond the classroom, Eddyne has also had several internships with international counseling organizations.
Little did she know that one of the most profound experiences of her education was waiting for her back in her birthplace in the DR Congo, where she would intern with Gratia Counseling Centre.
In December 2014, Eddyne went to North-Kivu, a city in eastern Congo that has been ravaged by violence and political unrest.
Listening to the children's stories and walking with them through painful parts of their past solidified for Eddyne that this is exactly what she is supposed to do - help heal the hearts of those who feel broken.
Eddyne shared with us more about her decision to study psychology and stories about her internship in the DR Congo. We are so excited for Eddyne’s future and thankful that she is investing in the lives of African youth!
How did you decide to study psychology and counseling?
I decided to study psychology and counseling for three reasons:
1. There were many people in my country, and still now, who needed psychological assistance to survive, including my friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors because of genocide consequences and other past experiences.
2. I realized that despite how people had been in miserable life circumstances, psychotherapy and counseling would release them so they could restart the normal way of living.
3. People trust me and come to see me for advice. They told me that I could be a good psychologist, so I decided to start in clinical psychology.
How did you choose your internship to work with children in the DR Congo?
I chose to go to Congo because in different conferences I attended I could hear people from there telling about psychological disorders due to everlasting wars and conflict, especially in youth. I was motivated because I wanted to help my neighbors, but also to learn from caregivers about their strategies to keep their people alive. I went to Gratia Counseling Centre and I have been in Congo two times - for an internship and community service.
What were some of the most powerful moments from your time in the Congo?
I met a young boy who had participated in different criminal actions and he was there to give testimonies of how the school center helped him to change attitudes and to heal his heart. I was at the same time scared to hear what he did to innocent people and also thankful to God for His work in his life.
How has your internship confirmed or directed what you want to do with your future?
I have learned that helping people with psychosocial problems doesn't only require knowledge and skills, but also interest, empathy and engagement. My experience from there and challenges I’ve experienced will help me to become a good clinician and later a good psychotherapist.
How has the support from These Numbers Have Faces prepared you for your internship and university courses?
Since I was accepted to be a These Numbers Have Faces scholar, my life has changed. I can realize my dreams because of the support I receive. For example, I think it would not be possible to go to Congo if These Numbers Had Faces had not sponsored my internship to Congo and my other academic internships are well done because of These Numbers Have Faces facilities. I am thankful I can now see how some of my goals are achieved.
Eddyne couldn't have said it better -- when we support each other, we help each other rise!
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