Witnessing Rwanda: A Story of Engagement, Traditions, and Trials
Fostering Dialogue: Engaging with Village Leaders
This week marked an engaging chapter in our efforts to serve the community, as we organized a gathering with local village leaders to discuss our forthcoming projects. A platform was offered to the community representatives to voice their queries and apprehensions regarding the project's implications and timeline of results. It was fascinating to note that the attendees, a diverse mix of individuals including women, elderly, disabled, and young representatives, had voluntarily participated without any monetary lure, underlining their genuine concern for community development.
Later in the week, we attended a larger community meeting in the same village. Weekly occurrences, these gatherings attract hundreds of participants. Besides a robust exchange of ideas led by government and non-profit representatives, these forums also allow individuals to bring forth their personal concerns. It was a compelling window into the community's dynamics, highlighting the concerted efforts being made to uplift living conditions.
One encounter that was particularly striking involved a woman who, abandoned by her husband, sought advice on building a home on her newly acquired land. Social workers were on hand to provide immediate assistance after these testimonies, underlining the interconnectedness of the community.
Another enlightening event was a meeting centered on combating gender violence and promoting gender equality. The discourse, aimed at debunking patriarchal norms and fostering a culture of positive masculinity, opened new channels of conversation among attendees.
This active community engagement, combined with my ongoing work on drafting a grant proposal for BBJ, offered a deeper understanding of the impact of our efforts.
Diving into Local Culture: An Invitation to a Traditional Wedding
My immersion in local culture reached a new peak over the weekend when I was invited to a traditional wedding in the western region of Rwanda, by Lake Kivu. The scenic journey and the festivities at the 'beach' of Rwanda were unforgettable. The ceremony, more conservative and formal than what I was accustomed to, consisted mostly of speeches and gift-giving. Dance, it appeared, was not a significant part of the celebration.
A conversation with a friend revealed the country's ongoing healing process from the 1994 tragedy, which has left a mark even on celebratory occasions. Despite this, I felt privileged to partake in such an intimate event, though the joy was tempered by an incident towards the end of the day.
The sight of a group of children fighting over scraps of meat was a harsh reminder of the harsh realities of life for some. These "street kids," as they're often called, lead a perilous existence, and the situation was further complicated when our van was broken into, presumably by these children. This led to an unsettling series of events, as local officials rounded up a group of children for questioning.
My concern for the children's well-being was tempered somewhat by the knowledge that children under 14 in Rwanda are not detained but placed in transitional centers where their needs are met. Still, the incident underscored the harsh realities of poverty and the critical importance of the work we do.
Though the situation was troubling, it deepened my commitment to our mission. The stark reality for many of these children only strengthened my passion to help change their circumstances, further underscoring the importance of our efforts.