Work in the UK
There are an estimated 1,000 survivors of the Rwandan genocide currently living in the UK. Many of these are young orphans and widows who witnessed terrible atrocities at a very young age. In many cases these survivors have not dealt with their trauma and this has resulted in incidences of challenging behaviour and severe depression.
SURF supported the formation of a Rwanda self-help association in UK, Bene Ubumwe (Children of Unity). Together with SURF they have provided a listening environment that has encouraged survivors to share their experiences and document their life histories. A CD has been produced from some of the testimonies. Reliving experiences of the genocide is traumatic despite the fact that it can be the start of a healing process and so SURF helps survivors to manage pain without destroying inner self value. It works closely with the Medical Foundation; an organization which provides counseling and support to victims of torture.
SURF encourages the Rwandan community in the UK to be collectively responsible for the care of physically and psychologically affected survivors, promoting self-reliance as a way of making survivors more confident and independent, and less vulnerable in the long term. Creating a network of survivors is particularly important for isolated survivors relocated to places outside London through the refugee dispersal programme.
As well as working with survivors and their families, SURF also works with schools, social workers and other statutory authorities to help them understand the very specific problems and needs of survivors in the UK.