Thank You to everyone who donated to GRDP and gave gifts for the kids that I met at the orphanage. Every contribution helped and we've been able to reach out to many entrepreneurs, an orphanage, and a domestic violence foundation. It's amazing how much we packed into 10 days and all thanks to the help of many friends and family members who supported me and GRDP. Please know that you have made a difference and I really appreciate your help.
If you haven't made a donation to GRDP yet, please do - the donate button is on the right. My fundraising efforts will continue until at least May, 2010.
If you would like to forward this blog to your friends/family, please do. The more awareness I can generate the more we can all help Rwanda and it's people.
I have arrived in Kenya and will be on holiday for the next 10 days before heading back to Canada. I don't plan to check email, etc until I get back, but if I do I'll be sure to update you on my Kenyan safari.
All the best and happy holidays.
XO
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
last time on computer - maybe...
We're about to leave the internet cafe and may not have access to email again until I get home, although I suspect we'll find something in Kenya!
Heading on a safari vacation for the next 2 weeks...Happy Holidays!
Heading on a safari vacation for the next 2 weeks...Happy Holidays!
Last day in Rwanda and sad to be leaving
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.
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.
Saturday - a day of culture
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.
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.
Friday - back to Gisimba
As I mentioned in earlier post, we went back to Gisimba Orphanage, and while I can’t tell you all the details of the meeting with another survivor (out of respect for his privacy), I can tell you that his story of survival is one of the most compelling and heroic tales I’ve heard this week.
Nearly 16 years after the genocide, he now tells his story and sees it as a healing process. To give you an idea of the absurdity of this racism which led to the 1994 genocide, his older brother had to hide him in the roof of the orphanage for a month because "brother 1" had “Tutsi” features while his brother looked more like a Hutu (it was the Hutus that were killing the Tutsis in 1994). According to the Belgians, who ruled this small country for many years, the Tutsi were superior and had “European” features while the Hutus had rounder features and were inferior – for the record, none of these “features” they measured had any validity and they often mistakenly placed Hutus with the Tutsi tribe, and vice versa, solely based on the shape and size of their nose and foreheads, etc.
"Brother 1" is extremely humble and doesn’t see himself as a hero, and in his words “what could we do, we had to help them.”
As we were speaking with "brother 1" one of the survivors that sought refuge at Gisimba joined us and recounted the story of her maid/friend being killed in front of her, her husband’s murder and her escape with her one year old son. Fortunately, they made it to Gisimba and survived. Her son, now 15, is going to school and likes to study science and technology. She smiles as she tells the story but you can see the pain in her eyes and that she is struggling to hold back her tears. Later, we were told that while she was hiding at Gisimba she lost so much weight that she looked and acted like a child and was able to blend in with the other children, which was the only thing that saved her from being killed.
There is a lot of healing that still needs to take place in Rwanda and it’s interesting that many people will tell their stories about what personally happened to them in 1994, but none will show emotion.
After hearing stories like this it’s difficult to switch your brain and go into “work mode,” but it’s important to remember that most people, at least the ones we’ve met, are trying to create a new Rwanda, a Rwanda that is safe, that is prosperous, and that has learned from it’s past and not forgotten, but that is moving forward.
The remainder of the day was spent meeting with business owners – one Elizabeth and I wished we had met earlier - someone who could provide us with a virtual office!
Nearly 16 years after the genocide, he now tells his story and sees it as a healing process. To give you an idea of the absurdity of this racism which led to the 1994 genocide, his older brother had to hide him in the roof of the orphanage for a month because "brother 1" had “Tutsi” features while his brother looked more like a Hutu (it was the Hutus that were killing the Tutsis in 1994). According to the Belgians, who ruled this small country for many years, the Tutsi were superior and had “European” features while the Hutus had rounder features and were inferior – for the record, none of these “features” they measured had any validity and they often mistakenly placed Hutus with the Tutsi tribe, and vice versa, solely based on the shape and size of their nose and foreheads, etc.
"Brother 1" is extremely humble and doesn’t see himself as a hero, and in his words “what could we do, we had to help them.”
As we were speaking with "brother 1" one of the survivors that sought refuge at Gisimba joined us and recounted the story of her maid/friend being killed in front of her, her husband’s murder and her escape with her one year old son. Fortunately, they made it to Gisimba and survived. Her son, now 15, is going to school and likes to study science and technology. She smiles as she tells the story but you can see the pain in her eyes and that she is struggling to hold back her tears. Later, we were told that while she was hiding at Gisimba she lost so much weight that she looked and acted like a child and was able to blend in with the other children, which was the only thing that saved her from being killed.
There is a lot of healing that still needs to take place in Rwanda and it’s interesting that many people will tell their stories about what personally happened to them in 1994, but none will show emotion.
After hearing stories like this it’s difficult to switch your brain and go into “work mode,” but it’s important to remember that most people, at least the ones we’ve met, are trying to create a new Rwanda, a Rwanda that is safe, that is prosperous, and that has learned from it’s past and not forgotten, but that is moving forward.
The remainder of the day was spent meeting with business owners – one Elizabeth and I wished we had met earlier - someone who could provide us with a virtual office!
Thursday - post presentation
After the presentation we took the afternoon to meet with entrepreneurs to discuss their businesses and what they want out of our coaching program. One woman, who was born and raised in the US but whose father is Rwandan and mother is Ugandan, decided to move to Rwanda to live permanently and is in the process of starting an ad agency. Others we met with are in event management, pharmaceuticals, IT, and land development, to name a few.
The amount of construction and trade that is happening is incredible and, judging by the number of foreigners visiting, it’s obvious that change is in the air.
Elizabeth and I have had many virtual offices over the week including the back of cars, an American coffee shop with wireless internet, friend’s office space, and random tables around the house we’re staying in. All this mobility has made me miss the days of business travel with a blackberry, a computer, and an airline ticket in hand.
After our last meeting in the evening, we visited Ivuka Arts to pick up a piece that’s been donated to Art for Africa by one of Rwanda’s top artists, and of course to browse for personal pieces too!
The amount of construction and trade that is happening is incredible and, judging by the number of foreigners visiting, it’s obvious that change is in the air.
Elizabeth and I have had many virtual offices over the week including the back of cars, an American coffee shop with wireless internet, friend’s office space, and random tables around the house we’re staying in. All this mobility has made me miss the days of business travel with a blackberry, a computer, and an airline ticket in hand.
After our last meeting in the evening, we visited Ivuka Arts to pick up a piece that’s been donated to Art for Africa by one of Rwanda’s top artists, and of course to browse for personal pieces too!
Wednesday: Vacation, what vacation?
It's been difficult to get to on internet long enough to catch up on writing so here's what has been happening over the last few days - days are out of order, sorry.
We had another full day of meetings – one with a local entrepreneur who makes baskets and jewelry that are sold to Macy’s in the US, we interviewed two candidates for a Program Coordinator position for GRDP, had a private visit with the Buranga woman who make hand-made jewelry sold to Keza in the US, and we managed to get to bed before 2am for the first time this week! It’s amazing how refreshing a 6-7hr sleep is.
Gahaya Links – Joy and Janet started their basket weaving business that now sells to Macy's and other fine retailers abroad. Here's an excerpt from their site: http://gahayalinks.com/
Gahaya Links Limited; a for-profit Rwandan handicraft company based on the simple principle of women economic empowerment through fair-trade. Our products are knitted in traditional, authentic Rwandan patterns and are of high quality to ensure a sustainable market for the Gahaya Links weavers. Crafted products include beautifully woven baskets, home décor, jewelry and textiles.
The interview process is similar to North America however the layout of the resumes provided information about their religious beliefs, nationality, and even the names of their parents. I suspect this goes back to the strife between the Hutus and the Tutsis when identity cards were in place for all Rwandans.
Meeting the Buranga women was both an honour and a privilege. This co-op started after the genocide when the woman, all survivors that have been raped and/or worked as prostitutes to make money, came together as a bible study/support group. While studying, they also made jewelry to help support one another and feed their children.
A private and secured meeting was pre-arranged for us so we got to see first hand how 35 women sit in a small room, each one working on her specific job, to create gorgeous jewelry that has been showcased in O Magazine and by the executive of Prada.
As we drove through the private gate, marked with embossed hearts, the women all stood and greeted us with a beautiful song – none of which I understood because it was sung in the local language Kinyarwanda. What surprised me most about these women was how they could have passed for anyone’s sister, mother, grandmother or friend. Their faces were the faces of anyone you see on the street.
We had another full day of meetings – one with a local entrepreneur who makes baskets and jewelry that are sold to Macy’s in the US, we interviewed two candidates for a Program Coordinator position for GRDP, had a private visit with the Buranga woman who make hand-made jewelry sold to Keza in the US, and we managed to get to bed before 2am for the first time this week! It’s amazing how refreshing a 6-7hr sleep is.
Gahaya Links – Joy and Janet started their basket weaving business that now sells to Macy's and other fine retailers abroad. Here's an excerpt from their site: http://gahayalinks.com/
Gahaya Links Limited; a for-profit Rwandan handicraft company based on the simple principle of women economic empowerment through fair-trade. Our products are knitted in traditional, authentic Rwandan patterns and are of high quality to ensure a sustainable market for the Gahaya Links weavers. Crafted products include beautifully woven baskets, home décor, jewelry and textiles.
The interview process is similar to North America however the layout of the resumes provided information about their religious beliefs, nationality, and even the names of their parents. I suspect this goes back to the strife between the Hutus and the Tutsis when identity cards were in place for all Rwandans.
Meeting the Buranga women was both an honour and a privilege. This co-op started after the genocide when the woman, all survivors that have been raped and/or worked as prostitutes to make money, came together as a bible study/support group. While studying, they also made jewelry to help support one another and feed their children.
A private and secured meeting was pre-arranged for us so we got to see first hand how 35 women sit in a small room, each one working on her specific job, to create gorgeous jewelry that has been showcased in O Magazine and by the executive of Prada.
As we drove through the private gate, marked with embossed hearts, the women all stood and greeted us with a beautiful song – none of which I understood because it was sung in the local language Kinyarwanda. What surprised me most about these women was how they could have passed for anyone’s sister, mother, grandmother or friend. Their faces were the faces of anyone you see on the street.
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