Peter Kariuki, the founder and leader of Shalom City in Kenya, worked tirelessly on behalf of Internally Displaced People for over two years with no rest. Through the help of Africa Rising, Peter took a much needed break for personal growth and refreshment when he attended the Great Lakes Initiative Gathering from Jan. 12-15 in Bujumbura, Burundi along with 110 of East Africa's most inspirational and visionary leaders.

The Great Lakes Initiative Gathering is an annual event hosted by The Duke Center for Reconciliation, in partnership with African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries, Mennonite Central Committee, and World Vision International.

Read a brief interview between Mary Muhara and Peter Kariuki about his experiences at the Gathering.

The most memorable part of the Gathering for Peter was visiting Maison Shalom.  Click here to see a video where Burundian, Maggy  Barankitse, tells her incredible story of bringing hope to over 30,000 orphans out of her own personal experience of unspeakable tragedy.