Many people have expressed concern for the destination of my adventure, and while I understand that the are obviously some very negative parts of Rwanda's history, there are some beautiful parts too. None less so than the past 15 years, where Rwanda has done what very few countries have ever done, come from utter despair and ruin and built a growing, sustainable economy. There is a lot of work still to be done, and no one is more aware of this than the Rwandan people.
I am recycling the links shared on my fellow volunteer, Jess's, blog. I think that they will help create an understanding of Rwanda's past and current situation. The first is written by returning volunteer, Kerry.
Kerry Ann Dobies – Brief Political History of Rwanda
http://kerryanndobies.blogspot.com/2009/03/brief-political-history-of-rwanda.html
Fast Company – Rwanda Rising: A New Model of Economic Development
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/134/special-report-rwanda-rising.html
Saturday, January 30, 2010
And we're off...
Alright, so I'm not off until Wednesday. Which is good, because I am not packed yet. At all. I am very excited, and a little bit nervous.
Things left to do:
- pick up malaria medication
- trip to Target
- and... that would be it.
Below is information about the school, and what I will be doing in Rwanda. I will definitely be updating with something more interesting in the very near future; but you've got to start somewhere, right?
About Maranyundo
The Maranyundo School is a tuition-free English language middle school for girls, ages 12-17. The school is located in one of Rwanda’s most impoverished regions, in a town infamous for its suffering during the 1994 genocide. Rwanda’s government mandates universal primary education, but the country has a long way to go to reach this goal. In 2008 alone, 68 percent of Rwanda’s female students dropped out of primary school. Maranyundo is helping Rwanda’s future leaders by giving them the language and leadership skills they need to steer East Africa’s future toward peace, stability and economic growth.
My role at the school
With a staff of Rwandan teachers for core academic classes, a critical part of the students’ experience is English mentoring. As a language mentor I will live at the school, assisting 120 + girls with their coursework and leading activities to help them develop their English and computer skills. Because French continues to be widely spoken in Rwanda I have been learning French through Rosetta Stone to better facilitate access to school resources and leading English classes for adults and children from the greater community.
If you would like to help
There are many costs associated with volunteering, and raising the funds for my service allows for the greatest efficiency in operating a nonprofit school. I must raise at least $5,000 to cover all expenses and I am turning to you for help. Donations are 100 percent tax-deductible and directly fund the Maranyundo mentor program. This is an ideal opportunity to invest in a tangible, sustainable initiative that directly impacts the future leaders of a developing country. please click the link at the bottom of the page if you are able to contribute.
You can learn more about the Maranyundo school from this great video: http://www.maranyundo.org/beacon-of-hope.
I look forward to soon sharing my volunteering experience with you through pictures and stories. And please share my blog with any one who might find it interesting.
-Rae
Things left to do:
- pick up malaria medication
- trip to Target
- and... that would be it.
Below is information about the school, and what I will be doing in Rwanda. I will definitely be updating with something more interesting in the very near future; but you've got to start somewhere, right?
About Maranyundo
The Maranyundo School is a tuition-free English language middle school for girls, ages 12-17. The school is located in one of Rwanda’s most impoverished regions, in a town infamous for its suffering during the 1994 genocide. Rwanda’s government mandates universal primary education, but the country has a long way to go to reach this goal. In 2008 alone, 68 percent of Rwanda’s female students dropped out of primary school. Maranyundo is helping Rwanda’s future leaders by giving them the language and leadership skills they need to steer East Africa’s future toward peace, stability and economic growth.
My role at the school
With a staff of Rwandan teachers for core academic classes, a critical part of the students’ experience is English mentoring. As a language mentor I will live at the school, assisting 120 + girls with their coursework and leading activities to help them develop their English and computer skills. Because French continues to be widely spoken in Rwanda I have been learning French through Rosetta Stone to better facilitate access to school resources and leading English classes for adults and children from the greater community.
If you would like to help
There are many costs associated with volunteering, and raising the funds for my service allows for the greatest efficiency in operating a nonprofit school. I must raise at least $5,000 to cover all expenses and I am turning to you for help. Donations are 100 percent tax-deductible and directly fund the Maranyundo mentor program. This is an ideal opportunity to invest in a tangible, sustainable initiative that directly impacts the future leaders of a developing country. please click the link at the bottom of the page if you are able to contribute.
You can learn more about the Maranyundo school from this great video: http://www.maranyundo.org/beacon-of-hope.
I look forward to soon sharing my volunteering experience with you through pictures and stories. And please share my blog with any one who might find it interesting.
-Rae
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