We took a day “off” today and had in incredible time.
President Kagame started a national process, which was already in place on a small scale, where the entire country comes together once a month to clean the city streets. So one Saturday a month, from 8am-noon the entire city shuts down and cleans. For us, this meant we had to leave the house at 7am, drive to our destination and stay there until at least noon. It’s a good thing we didn’t have the energy to go out Friday night!
In the morning, we visited a private medical clinic in the city. The funds raised from this clinic support a foundation that helps (through counseling, etc) women and their children who have been sexually and physically abused, often by their husband, father or close friend or family member. When we arrived we were greeted by 40 women and children who had prepared a show for us, complete with plays, poems, singing, dancing, and gifts. The kids taught us to dance, which we have on video (unfortunately!!) and we bought some of their handicrafts to help support their cooperative. They are learning to design jewelry, baskets, and blankets to sell in the local markets to support one another.
It was here that we heard stories about more kids who are not able to attend school – imagine being 14 and you’ve never stepped foot in a school. It’s heartbreaking.
In the evening, we attended a Rwandan wedding reception. Elizabeth wore a traditional dress – I was planning too but had costume malfunctions and pieces’ missing so wasn’t able to. The wedding was gorgeous and although there were some western style dresses and outfits, Rwandans dress in their best for a wedding. The reception was held in a wedding hall that sloped downwards somewhat like a concert hall. Tribal dancers followed the bride, groom and wedding party down to the head table and then entertained the entire congregation – apparently for about 3 hrs but we only stayed an hour. Food was not served but hosts came around to see what type of Fanta drink we preferred (orange, sprite or coke!), and the entire ceremony was in Kinyarwanda so I have no idea what was said!
I thought it was strange that the bridal party was not smiling during the ceremony but was later told that it’s inappropriate to smile towards the crowd of guests because it means that you are looking for another – another husband or wife. Even the bride and groom aren’t supposed to smile or flirt with another at the ceremony. Also, there were two tables of family members set up but they were all men so I was wondering where the mothers of the bride and groom were – turns out all the women sit behind the men.
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
