Anina Mbilinyi

While interning in Tanzania, I witnessed first-hand the devastating refugee crisis from the 1994 Rwandan genocide, sparking my thesis topic. My pre-thesis research revealed that the absence of post-war mental healing perpetuated the cycle of genocide. My project proposal included safe temporary towns along a river, each terminated by a permanent structure at the water for mental health support. The building included spaces for therapy, workshops for healing through arts and crafts, and housing for those who need extra help. The permanent structure was to house the community’s life as historical documentation and memories for the community after moving on to permanent homes.