Galloway, N.J. — An American missionary who stayed in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide and risked his life to save hundreds will discuss his story of courage, empathy and forgiveness during an educator workshop on Feb. 19.

“Rwanda’s Community Approach to Rebuilding Trust: Restorative Strategies for Healing Relationships” will be led by Carl Wilkens, who was the only American who chose to stay in Kigali, Rwanda, in 1994. He’s the former head of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International in Rwanda. He strategically placed himself between the perpetrators and vulnerable Tutsis. Exploring Rwanda’s story and basic neuroscience is what he credits for much of his own personal healing.

The free workshop is open to all public educators and will take place in person from 12-2 p.m. at the Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center. It is sponsored by the Center and Stockton’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies High School Dual Credit Program. Preregistration is required by contacting the center at 609-652-4699. New Jersey educators can earn two professional development hours for attending