Hi,
The days have been so long and we haven't had an opportunity to get to an internet connection since my last post. I'm in the middle of writing my next blog post but since our days have been really long I'm going to bed to get more than 4hrs of sleep and will post more info about the last few days tomorrow.
I believe I told you about our visit to Gisimba orphanage the other day, well we went back there today and took a UK journalist to hear their incredible story. It's too long to go into now but I promise to tell you more about their story in the next few days.
Elizabeth arranged a meeting for the journalist so he could hear their story and (hopefully) write an article about this special place. We are trying to help them raise money for food, education and computers, among other things, so they can sustain themselves and so the kids who live there have a future brighter than what the compound wall's offer.
When we got back to the house where we are staying, we sat with Paradis, the woman who is renting the house to us, and talked about the many orphanages in Kigali and about our goal for Gisimba. However, it occurred to me that we also have to be aware of the impact our actions may have on them if they do become sustainable and can provide food and education to all the children that live there, because they may end up with worse problems than they already have. For example, they may find that they will have many more children come to them for help, despite the lack of capacity, and they may even find that parents will send their children there just to feed and educate them. Rwanda is a developing country and although their goal is to be middle-income by 2020, they are still extremely poor and many go without food on a regular basis.
Our goal is to help this famous orphanage but I think it's also important to know how to face the impact we can have on them and plan for all scenarios - whether or not they're the ones we want.
I love that every Rwandan has a story and that each one is unique...more to come...
Good Night.
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
