Unity Matters!

From Clara!

Today we had an early morning, and we were all glad we managed to get up early for this special day. We left at 6:45am left to participate in Umuganda, a monthly community service day that every Rwandan household is required to participate in. As we passed through security you could see hundreds of people with their tools walking on a path that went far beyond what we could see. We joined the line and made our way the to the pile of dirt that by the end of the day would be the foundation for a community garden in a large public park near Kigali. There were thousands of people and the energy in the crowd was contagious. We formed 6 different assembly lines to pass soil to the garden and around us everyone was singing and dancing, you could feel how happy the people were. We worked for 2-3 hours amidst Rwandans who were young, old, male, female, rich poor, part of the military and civilians.  It was easy while there to see how events like this are central to the process of unity and reconciliation.  Everyone was very welcoming and it was incredible to be an "insider" amongst this national unity event.  Thanks to Shields and John, we had the honor of meeting President Kagame!  Each of us got to shake his hand as he came to the wetlands to learn about the project and help out a bit himself. We walked to hear one of his speeches and it was truly amazing how many people were there and getting genuinely excited by what he spoke about. The crowd roared for him!  After leaving we had lunch and then later in the afternoon we went to Kweto film institute. We met with Eric Kabera, a talented film director, before viewing his film, Intore. Intore is translated to person of integrity and was about facing adversity and moving through challenges by reviving and transforming pre-genocidal culture. The film involved traditional dance, local artists and survivor testimonies as well as gorgeous aerial shots of the land of a thousand hills.

This morning was especially transformative for me as we were welcomed into a small part of the real, open, culture of Rwanda where everything was genuine. I have never felt that much energy and kindness from people, especially not when working very hard in hot weather. We had held discussions about President Kagame and his successes and challenges but when I met him I got to see him as a real human being, not just the person we had read about. I came to realize that most of the positive signs we were noting about Rwanda (the clean streets, the safety, the warmth and humility of the people, the successful NGO's) were a direct result of one man's regime and the strong will to rebuild.   At the end of the day regardless of whether or not you agree with President Kagame's strict rule, it is undeniable that he has succeeded in unifying many Rwandans around the idea of not only moving on, but moving forward.

people arriving for Umuganda

John Kayihura--Shields' friend, our guide, and a very well-connected man in Rwanda.  
He makes things happen...including an audience with President Kagame!

we are strong/our culture is strong

our group with President Kagame

our group in front of the plans for a public park--the Umuganda project to which we contributed!

The President addresses the thousands of citizens who cheered and sang for him

President Kagame gave us a shout out!!!!

the local paper's report after a beautiful Unuganda (everyone loves it when the President shows up...though we were especially lucky to get a handshake and a few moments in his tent ;)

a famous statue in Kigali--the "gender roundabout," signifying Rwanda's commitment to women and families

Nairobi artist captures Rwandan street

film director Eric Kabera after a private viewing of Intore.  Please see trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMWf6wgLofE

The weather has been GLORIOUS on this trip...the whole way....just stunning--breezy, sunny, dry.  We try to have class outside when we can, bit tonight...class indoors :)

some walked ling distances for Umuganda

Philson after planning his senior project to work with Eric Kabera.  I am holding him to it ;)