Health is a Human Right

from Chiara!

Today was an incredible learning experience that allowed us to deepen our understanding of successful NGOs in action and how they work. In the morning, we visited the central teaching hospital of Kigali to work with "Solid'Africa", an organization dedicated to helping vulnerable patients in Rwandan hospitals by providing them with food, assistance with medical expenses and hospital bills, and medical products. Upon our arrival at the hospital, we were greeted by Isabelle Akamariza, the founder of SolidAfrica, and her colleague, Patrick. They provided us with breakfast food and supplies, which we then distributed to patients in different wards of the hospital, such as surgery and maternity. As we connected with the patients and witnessed the work of Solid Africa in person, we obtained a entirely new understanding of the impact that the NGO has had on vulnerable individuals in Rwandan society. After  becoming well-acquainted with a child who took a liking to all of us, we had a question and answer session with Patrick, who spoke openly about health as a human right, politics in Rwanda, and the ways in which Rwanda has surpassed the US in relation to health care.  97% of Rwandans enjoy full access to health care (whether they need anti-malarials, cancer treatment, ARVs, or nutritional support).  Solid Africa has accomplished many things and successfully put its plans in action since its beginning in 2010. Its current goal is to build a kitchen that would help to feed hundreds of patients each day and increase its sustainability. The leaders and founders of solid Africa are quite young, (in fact Isabelle had just had a baby!) but they are responsible for the success for the organization. They demonstrate the power of the Rwandan youth to incite change. Visiting with SolidAfrica also provided us with an example of the Rwandan system of universal health care- one that we as Americans do not possess.  Their motto:  food is medicine!   Our time with them also demonstrated how committed Rwandans are to sharing their stories.  Patrick is spent hours with us and returned to our group for dinner.  

After an amazing lunch at Shokola, a few of us visited the main office of Women for Women International while others chose to enjoy some relaxation time at the hotel. WfWI Country Director, Antoinette Uwimana, showed us a moving video about the story of a woman named Clementine whose life was nearly destroyed by gender based violence and poverty until she enrolled in the social empowerment program at WfWI.  Women for Women International and allowed us to ask Ms. Uwimana more about the organization and its actions. As we talked to the representatives of both solid Africa and women for women international, we were extremely impressed both with the vast knowledge they had and the accomplishments of their organizations.

Personally, this day was a very important experience for me because I was able to see the work of the organizations we met with and, most importantly, connect with the people who they directly impact. At the hospital, I talked to a member of the staff, who allowed me to visit newborn patients and their mothers in the children's ward. It was clear, even with the language barrier, how grateful the mothers were for my simple well wishes directed toward their children. In a simple "thank you" from one of the mothers, I felt moved by the meaning beyond just the words.

we did a half group visit to WfW Kigali office while the other half of group rejuvenated/rested :)