This post features student writing.

My second morning in Rwanda began with a short yet relaxing meditation. In a calm mindset, the group set out to finish orientation. During orientation we discussed the importance of being a traveler rather than a tourist, which helped me to understand the correct mannerisms to display. We then dove into an article named “How to Write About Africa,” which was filled with satire. We partook in an in-depth conversation about the way that the media portrays Africa negatively.

After orientation, we left Kigali for Nyamata, where we had a welcoming party with one of our partner organizations, AVEH. After the party, Madeline, Habisona, and I saw three children staring at us through a fence. Intrigued, we asked if we would be able to go over and talk to them. Through various forms of communication, such as hand signals, English, and French, we were able to understand that their names were Eric (8), Christina (13), and Davika (10). We asked them more questions about themselves, again communicating mostly through hand signals. We wondered if they came from the market, what they bought, if they were traveling home, and if they were all related. The struggle of trying to convey our thoughts to them made for a fun experience.

During the orientation, we also discussed how many Americans view Africans as starving, dying, and unhappy. In contrast to these stereotypes, I saw firsthand in Nyamata today how happy and kind the children I met were. They smiled while talking to us and hugged us at the end of our conversation. They were willing to share their happiness with us by engaging in conversation.

Next we walked to the local market where we looked for fabric wraps. At the market, we waved and said “hi” to everyone we met. In my perspective this was the best part of the day, because even though we are foreigners and cannot communicate with them, they welcomed us with warm smiles. We also had the opportunity to dance with some of the Rwandans creating another amazing experience. Meeting some of the local people gave me a taste of the culture by interacting with them.

— Molly