This post features student writing.
As we are finishing up our time in Nyamata, the local government organized a tour of Bugesera District for us. I really found the tour fascinating, especially when we got to meet the Director of Social Services. He was generous and informative and we learned a lot about the district, Rwanda and the health care sector. When asked how Rwanda recovered so successfully from the genocide, he said, “it is because we Rwandans know ourselves and know where we want our country to go.” The United States has much to learn from Rwanda!
One of the staff members from the district led us on a forty-minute drive to the Akagera Swamp–the headwaters of the mighty Nile River, the longest river in the world!
The highlight for me these last few days though, like many others in our group, was visiting Nyamata High School. We met other students to socialize and play basketball. It was fun talking to the students because they are so sweet, respectful and as excited to hang out with us as we are to hang out with them!
-Ellen A.
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I woke up after a long, sleepless night–I was not feeling my best and I was tired after long days working at AVEH and CECHE. I managed to rouse myself from bed and march the forty-five minutes to AVEH. On these walks, Zach and Kayla paired us with another member of the group and it was our responsibility to learn their life stories.
Once we got to the AVEH compound, Ellery and I took charge and painted the chimneys for the stoves in the new kitchen with a bright red color. We also mixed cement and placed bricks. I spent a long time clearing brush in the nearby field. In just a few days, our group has cleared a huge swathe of brush, creepers and vines: it’s difficult work, but extremely fulfilling to see the progress we’ve made. Before I knew it, it was lunchtime and we cruised back to the guesthouse in a mini-bus piloted by Alfonse, our cheerful and reliable driver. I came into lunch with a smile on my face, proud of all the work our group had accomplished. Even though I started the morning not at my best, working at AVEH actually gave me more energy!
While at AVEH, I met Divine. She’s 13 years old, speaks perfect English and has been helping us translate with the staff and construction workers. We got to speaking and she told me how she loves watching movies and one day, dreams of being an actress. She is incredibly smart and bright. She always pitches in without being asked and works with a smile on her face, inspiring me to work harder. Seeing her is easily one of the highlights of my day.
Over the last weeks, I’ve noticed that I’m learning many things about myself. I am becoming stronger everyday, in a physical sense, but especially mentally. I’ve taken time to slow down and appreciate the little things, how easy I have it and the extent of my privilege.
-Julie B.
