The Institute for the Healing of Memories seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations. Our work is grounded in the belief that we are all in need of healing, because of what we have done, what we have failed to do, and what has been done to us.

Since the 1990s, we have facilitated workshops that enable people from different ethnic groups, races and religions to reach a better understanding of themselves and each other. In a safe, supportive space, guided by expert facilitators, participants are helped to confront sources of alienation, misunderstanding and personal suffering.

The workshop has grown out of South Africa’s unique history and our need to remain attentive to how our divided past can impact on us both individually and as communities and a nation. We believe that when personal stories are heard and acknowledged, individuals feel healed and empowered. Through deep listening and meaningful sharing, human relationships can be transformed and restored.

Over the years, we have worked with people from a rich diversity of backgrounds, as well as with refugees, offenders, HIV/ AIDS sufferers, and victims of domestic violence. The effectiveness of the Healing of Memories workshop has been widely documented and the methodology has been used in countries as far afield as the USA, East Timor, Rwanda and Northern Ireland.