We’ve had a successful trip and I believe we’ve accomplished everything we came here to do for GRDP and more – entrepreneurs are excited about their coaching program, we had a fantastic presentation with over 50% of the room registering for the 2010 workshops, and we’ve managed to arrange meetings with so many entreprenreurs in the country. This was a great start to what I know will be a success for GRDP in Rwanda and for the entrepreneurs that start to work with the business mentors that will come from North America to help create sustainable, self-reliant businesses.
Two of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since being here – While I can’t save/help everyone, I have the ability to change someone’s perspective and/or add some value to their lives by providing the knowledge I do have, which can help in ways I never imagined. All it takes is helping one person and asking them to pass it on. It's really that easy.
The other lesson – I agree that it’s important to “help those close to home” but fortunately in North America we have so many resources and organizations that are set up to help anyone in just about any situation, but in Rwanda (and other developing countries) people have nothing, absolutely nothing, and many struggle each day to eat and stay alive. The hardest thing for me this past week has been meeting children (teenagers even) who aren’t going to school because they can’t afford it or because they’re so poor they can’t afford shoes or even a pen, etc so the teacher(s) won’t allow them in the class. It’s appalling and I get so mad that this is allowed to happen – but I’m not sure if I’m angrier at kids in developed countries who take education for granted (I’m sure I was one of them), the government for not providing education to their citizens, or to the developed world for not paying attention, ignoring what they know, and for not taking action to send one child to school.
Few Random tidbits:
1. Health insurance is required for everyone. It costs $2/yr and many people cannot afford it.
2. Elizabeth brought toothbrushes for the kids and they LOVE them.
4. In Rwanda, it’s common to see men holding hands or walking arm-in-arm – this is a sign of trust and respect for your friendship.
5. In 2010 the school system is switching to English and French will no longer be taught.
6. Kigali is more expensive than I imagined and it’s because resources are low so it forces prices up.
Please donate $50 to Global Relief and Development Partners' Social Entrepreneurship Program and Faith Victory's Orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda. Every dollar makes a difference.
- About Me
- An avid volunteer, Melanie Woodward has built a life based on passion…passion for learning and for discovering and travelling the world. Melanie had an incredible, life-altering volunteer experience with Global Relief and Development Partners in Kigali, Rwanda in December, 2009. Her self-funded trip to Rwanda is one of several initiatives Melanie has undertaken for the betterment of the Rwandan people. She is also working with Gisimba Orphanage, Faith Victory Association, she is funding the education of a 15 year old orphan she met in Kigali, and plans an annual art fundraiser (www.artforafrica.info). Melanie is thrilled to be working with Global Relief and Development Partners, where their level of passion matches her own. Melanie’s formal education and experiences volunteering have prepared her for this life-changing journey. She has traveled to over 26 countries, working and volunteering in many of them. A former event planner for events like the Juno and Grey Cup festivals, Melanie has combined her organizational spirit with her humanitarian heart for the greatest experience of her life.
Map of Rwanda
