Early January...
After the trauma of losing all my photos when I last dabbled with technology it was with trepidation that I finally began to play with my new laptop, I’ve now set up all kinds of gadgets and programmes which will go some way in keeping me sane in the next year…At the moment, I am just off down to Bristol on the Megabus and trying to update the blog which I've neglected lately. Before I know what the whole set-up’s like in terms of internet I guess I’ll be doing this quite a bit, i.e. saving my updates then uploading them later. Was so impressed last night, managed to connect to skype and even talk ton people so am quite pleased with my progress so far…
I’m just back from the last training course at Harbourne Hall. It was a teacher development course which looked at ways we could set about delivering training once we start in placement. As usual, there was the mix of practical activities and theory and we all left feeling a bit more confident about how to proceed. Once again, everyone was so lovely and supportive and despite the long days we managed to have lots of fun. I met Bridget who will also be traveling on Friday’s flight. We had a good laugh about the indulgence of blogging but managed to convince ourselves that in our cases we could justify writing them. I’m still not sure about the whole thing but, for now, I’ll continue.
It was good to find out that most people are still as unprepared as me in terms of packing. However, one night in the bar sorted all that out. A friend of Moira’s (shocked at her apparent lack of preparation) had created a comprehensive list with everything needed for a long stay right down to a fake engagement ring, brilliant. Saved me a job!
So, progress on the packing is underway. Last night was spent putting things into piles and tonight I’ll be moving these into the luggage (which I am yet to buy). So overall, things are moving along nicely.
After the trauma of losing all my photos when I last dabbled with technology it was with trepidation that I finally began to play with my new laptop, I’ve now set up all kinds of gadgets and programmes which will go some way in keeping me sane in the next year…At the moment, I am just off down to Bristol on the Megabus and trying to update the blog which I've neglected lately. Before I know what the whole set-up’s like in terms of internet I guess I’ll be doing this quite a bit, i.e. saving my updates then uploading them later. Was so impressed last night, managed to connect to skype and even talk ton people so am quite pleased with my progress so far…
I’m just back from the last training course at Harbourne Hall. It was a teacher development course which looked at ways we could set about delivering training once we start in placement. As usual, there was the mix of practical activities and theory and we all left feeling a bit more confident about how to proceed. Once again, everyone was so lovely and supportive and despite the long days we managed to have lots of fun. I met Bridget who will also be traveling on Friday’s flight. We had a good laugh about the indulgence of blogging but managed to convince ourselves that in our cases we could justify writing them. I’m still not sure about the whole thing but, for now, I’ll continue.
It was good to find out that most people are still as unprepared as me in terms of packing. However, one night in the bar sorted all that out. A friend of Moira’s (shocked at her apparent lack of preparation) had created a comprehensive list with everything needed for a long stay right down to a fake engagement ring, brilliant. Saved me a job!
So, progress on the packing is underway. Last night was spent putting things into piles and tonight I’ll be moving these into the luggage (which I am yet to buy). So overall, things are moving along nicely.
Tears at the airport…
Ok, this is going to be a really condensed version of events since I am at this moment spending my first evening in Kigali and after all the traveling and meet and greets am totally knackered. Have now met about half the group, with more arriving tomorrow and Monday. As predicted, it was a very tearful goodbye-it was so hard to leave-but I knew this so tried to remember why I was doing it and what a fantastic experience it was going to be. I let myself have a good old cry though…
First day in Kigali
Wow, what a fantastic sleep-guess I didn’t realise just how tired and stressed I’ve been this last month. Despite having the most amazing time, there was always something to do so it was lovely today to finally wake up in Rwanda instead of looking forward to it. For the first time in ages, I slept straight through and woke up with birds singing – a good start! We’re all staying at Amani, a little guest house near the centre of Kigali. Most importantly, we are being fed really well- breakfast, lunch and dinner and coffee breaks with cakes and biscuits- Great!
Bridget and I have settled in nicely – our room is a complete tip and we’re constantly discovering exciting things we didn’t realise we had like Walkers crisps but more often we’re spending an hour looking for one pair of flip flips which ‘we just know we packed’!
The group, now about 18, took the taxi bus into Kigali centre today and it was good to see that there are quite a few nice coffee places where you can sit with a drink and enjoy wireless connection. I’ll definitely look forward to this because although there are plenty of cafes about time just goes so quickly and it’s probably not the safest way to check your bank account. We got a good rate for our dollars and celebrated with a nice coffee in Simba cafe. I’m actually really surprised at how genuinely friendly people are. From reading other people’s blogs, I had expected to hear the odd remark of ‘muzungo’ (literally white man) aimed at us as we walked around but people don’t really seem that bothered. Of course, this may be different when I get to Gikongoro but I guess I’ll be as curious about the people there as they are of me- until we get to know each other of course :0)
I learned today a little more about where I’ll be. At the moment (as things can rapidly change) I will be working from the district office and apparently have a house with a garden and…chickens, woohoo! I’ve already been given the keys for the office and the P.O. box where I can receive all my packages from the UK…:0)
So please, take note: PO box 60, Gikongoro, Rwanda….I’m a little concerned at how brief this is but I’ve been assured that post arrives.
Rwanda vs Mali
We were all very excited to learn that the under 21 football team were playing a qualifier today and it was against… Mali, how appropriate! I’m not normally into football, but can at least appreciate a live match and it’s always good to keep informed about the progress of a local team (?) We decided to walk which was a good way to see a bit more of Kigali. As we approached the stadium, it was clear getting tickets might not be as straight forward as we thought. The gates were guarded with nervous looking policemen with large truncheons (why the nerves?) which they brandished menacingly. It seemed that all the tickets hadn’t been sold but there was a big concern over people entering without tickets so when the crowd surged forwards the police reacted by waving their weapons towards it. To be honest, there was no danger but the reaction of the crowd was so immediate that we did get a bit caught up! Our Dutch colleague Manns who’s kind of in charge of us all, managed to get in together with a few others while Bridget, Charlotte, Sarah and I decided to retreat to the internet café and check facebook…Some things never change!
Day 1 of ICT (in-country training)
Managed to speak with the boy last night which was lovely and the sim card I have seems to be working ok and isn’t too bad in terms of cost, so all good. We all went to the nearby bar last night for a beer but when I say one beer it’s a huge bottle and probably holds 2 pints.
Feeling slightly tipsy but awake, I attempted to look at the blue ICT folder again- a comprehensive guide to arriving in Rwanda and beginning our placement. It contains, amongst other info, a guide to learning Kinyarwanda. Thing is it’s about 50 pages in so, for the second time, having flicked through the file, had to give up…I need sleep and perhaps a clearer head.
Met with my VSO programme manager, Charlotte, today. She went through the details of the placement and accommodation and I was pleased to learn that nothing has changed. My position is officially the Primary Teacher Trainer for the Nyamagabe district with, oh my god,…over 100 primary schools! The main aim will be to train teachers in current methodology through creating model classrooms but with up to 60 children in a class there may be some resistance to a more interactive classroom and there’s the challenge!
It was Sarah’s birthday so we decided to branch out a bit and ended up at Bar Filao where some other ‘veteran’ VSOers had suggested might be good. When I say veterans, they have been here since September and offered loads of info on what it’s been like for them and what we could expect. They also know some good bars to go to. Andy will be working in the district office too so it was good to chat to him and the really fantastic news is that according to them my house is really lovely, bonus!
Day 3 of ICT
Muraho! Mumeze mute? Hello, how you doing?
Yes, it’s day 3 of Kinyarwanda and I’m quite enjoying it. It’s been really frustrating not being able to say hi or thanks so I’m trying to practice whenever I can- everyone is very kind…and patient.
I’m coming round to the idea that I will have a ‘domestique’- basically someone who will work in the house doing the cooking, cleaning etc. I really didn’t want to at first but it seems it would be more unusual if I didn’t. One of the volunteers, finishing a 2 year placement on Saturday, has recommended her one so hopefully I’ll be speaking with her next week ‘to agree terms’. I’ll also have a night guard which VSO pays for. Again, wasn’t too sure about this but have come round to the idea now.
Had a chat with a current primary methodology trainer today which was really useful- she gave me lots of useful tips for these next few weeks with the biggest being not rush in and to just observe as much as possible which was reassuring.
God, I really don’t know when I’ll be making this thing live yet. I popped to the internet café yesterday but in the hour only just managed to read everyone’s emails so apologies if I haven’t got back to you, I promise I will soon :0) I’m sure it’ll be easier once I start work, I’ve been promised wireless! Not sure about the skype thing though, I need to look into that…
Apparently we’re off to the Salsa bar tomorrow, should be fun(ny)!
Day 5 of ICT
Well Salsa was fun and more professional than we’d anticipated so well, we were an enthusiastic audience. Lots of the current vols were there too and it was nice to go to bar where French is understood and where everyone got a glass each. The last time we went to the local, about half of us didn’t get glasses because they’d run out…Ok for the beer drinkers but tricky for those on the Waragi (some kind of gin) and coke!
It was Hann and Manns last day today so as a little token of our appreciation we bought them some CDs of Rwandan music and..some salsa tunes. I was asked to give a little speech on behalf of the group which really wasn’t hard- they’ve been great! Must be so hard to go back after such a long time.
First day in Kigali
Wow, what a fantastic sleep-guess I didn’t realise just how tired and stressed I’ve been this last month. Despite having the most amazing time, there was always something to do so it was lovely today to finally wake up in Rwanda instead of looking forward to it. For the first time in ages, I slept straight through and woke up with birds singing – a good start! We’re all staying at Amani, a little guest house near the centre of Kigali. Most importantly, we are being fed really well- breakfast, lunch and dinner and coffee breaks with cakes and biscuits- Great!
Bridget and I have settled in nicely – our room is a complete tip and we’re constantly discovering exciting things we didn’t realise we had like Walkers crisps but more often we’re spending an hour looking for one pair of flip flips which ‘we just know we packed’!
The group, now about 18, took the taxi bus into Kigali centre today and it was good to see that there are quite a few nice coffee places where you can sit with a drink and enjoy wireless connection. I’ll definitely look forward to this because although there are plenty of cafes about time just goes so quickly and it’s probably not the safest way to check your bank account. We got a good rate for our dollars and celebrated with a nice coffee in Simba cafe. I’m actually really surprised at how genuinely friendly people are. From reading other people’s blogs, I had expected to hear the odd remark of ‘muzungo’ (literally white man) aimed at us as we walked around but people don’t really seem that bothered. Of course, this may be different when I get to Gikongoro but I guess I’ll be as curious about the people there as they are of me- until we get to know each other of course :0)
I learned today a little more about where I’ll be. At the moment (as things can rapidly change) I will be working from the district office and apparently have a house with a garden and…chickens, woohoo! I’ve already been given the keys for the office and the P.O. box where I can receive all my packages from the UK…:0)
So please, take note: PO box 60, Gikongoro, Rwanda….I’m a little concerned at how brief this is but I’ve been assured that post arrives.
Rwanda vs Mali
We were all very excited to learn that the under 21 football team were playing a qualifier today and it was against… Mali, how appropriate! I’m not normally into football, but can at least appreciate a live match and it’s always good to keep informed about the progress of a local team (?) We decided to walk which was a good way to see a bit more of Kigali. As we approached the stadium, it was clear getting tickets might not be as straight forward as we thought. The gates were guarded with nervous looking policemen with large truncheons (why the nerves?) which they brandished menacingly. It seemed that all the tickets hadn’t been sold but there was a big concern over people entering without tickets so when the crowd surged forwards the police reacted by waving their weapons towards it. To be honest, there was no danger but the reaction of the crowd was so immediate that we did get a bit caught up! Our Dutch colleague Manns who’s kind of in charge of us all, managed to get in together with a few others while Bridget, Charlotte, Sarah and I decided to retreat to the internet café and check facebook…Some things never change!
Day 1 of ICT (in-country training)
Managed to speak with the boy last night which was lovely and the sim card I have seems to be working ok and isn’t too bad in terms of cost, so all good. We all went to the nearby bar last night for a beer but when I say one beer it’s a huge bottle and probably holds 2 pints.
Feeling slightly tipsy but awake, I attempted to look at the blue ICT folder again- a comprehensive guide to arriving in Rwanda and beginning our placement. It contains, amongst other info, a guide to learning Kinyarwanda. Thing is it’s about 50 pages in so, for the second time, having flicked through the file, had to give up…I need sleep and perhaps a clearer head.
Met with my VSO programme manager, Charlotte, today. She went through the details of the placement and accommodation and I was pleased to learn that nothing has changed. My position is officially the Primary Teacher Trainer for the Nyamagabe district with, oh my god,…over 100 primary schools! The main aim will be to train teachers in current methodology through creating model classrooms but with up to 60 children in a class there may be some resistance to a more interactive classroom and there’s the challenge!
It was Sarah’s birthday so we decided to branch out a bit and ended up at Bar Filao where some other ‘veteran’ VSOers had suggested might be good. When I say veterans, they have been here since September and offered loads of info on what it’s been like for them and what we could expect. They also know some good bars to go to. Andy will be working in the district office too so it was good to chat to him and the really fantastic news is that according to them my house is really lovely, bonus!
Day 3 of ICT
Muraho! Mumeze mute? Hello, how you doing?
Yes, it’s day 3 of Kinyarwanda and I’m quite enjoying it. It’s been really frustrating not being able to say hi or thanks so I’m trying to practice whenever I can- everyone is very kind…and patient.
I’m coming round to the idea that I will have a ‘domestique’- basically someone who will work in the house doing the cooking, cleaning etc. I really didn’t want to at first but it seems it would be more unusual if I didn’t. One of the volunteers, finishing a 2 year placement on Saturday, has recommended her one so hopefully I’ll be speaking with her next week ‘to agree terms’. I’ll also have a night guard which VSO pays for. Again, wasn’t too sure about this but have come round to the idea now.
Had a chat with a current primary methodology trainer today which was really useful- she gave me lots of useful tips for these next few weeks with the biggest being not rush in and to just observe as much as possible which was reassuring.
God, I really don’t know when I’ll be making this thing live yet. I popped to the internet café yesterday but in the hour only just managed to read everyone’s emails so apologies if I haven’t got back to you, I promise I will soon :0) I’m sure it’ll be easier once I start work, I’ve been promised wireless! Not sure about the skype thing though, I need to look into that…
Apparently we’re off to the Salsa bar tomorrow, should be fun(ny)!
Day 5 of ICT
Well Salsa was fun and more professional than we’d anticipated so well, we were an enthusiastic audience. Lots of the current vols were there too and it was nice to go to bar where French is understood and where everyone got a glass each. The last time we went to the local, about half of us didn’t get glasses because they’d run out…Ok for the beer drinkers but tricky for those on the Waragi (some kind of gin) and coke!
It was Hann and Manns last day today so as a little token of our appreciation we bought them some CDs of Rwandan music and..some salsa tunes. I was asked to give a little speech on behalf of the group which really wasn’t hard- they’ve been great! Must be so hard to go back after such a long time.
http://www.kigalimemorialcentre.org/old/index.html
Ok, really wasn’t looking forward to today. We were taken to Gisozi, the Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali. Before coming, I’d obviously read a few books, seen ‘Hotel Rwanda’ but was sort of waiting until I got here to learn any more about it. As you’d expect, it was full of many upsetting images and testimonies of the genocide and even had the skulls and bones of victims on display. Going around en masse, I found a bit weird. I’m never sure about these kinds of museums- in a way I feel a bit like a voyeur and wonder what exactly I should be looking to see. To be honest, I guess I’m a little shocked by how much I’m no longer shocked. I won't even try to explain how or why the genocide happened in Rwanda, since there are enough books and films out there written by people who lived the horror etc. However, when the colonizers decided that people could be divided neatly into ethnic groups (Hutu, Tutsi, Twa) by the way they looked and then stated this on an identity card for their own political ends, it was certainly not to promote harmony... But it seems no matter how many times this happens and how many times we are shocked, people will continue to be killed because of their differences whether religious, political or physical…
At the end of the visit we watched a really powerful film ‘We are all Rwandans’. It told the story, based on real events, of teenagers at a boarding school. They were trying to come to terms with the genocide by focusing on the fact they were all Rwandan rather than Hutu, Tutsi or Twa. And so, when a group of militia entered their school demanding they separate into the ethnic groups, they refused. The friends died united as Rwandans...
We left the memorial centre after that, loaded back onto the minibus and…straight into a road block! There didn’t seem to be any reason for it but they were definitely not letting any cars through. Just as we approached it though, our driver thought he’d play the ‘muzungo’ card - I’m pleased to say we were not let through and though my kinyarwanda is still in its early stages I’m guessing the conversation went a bit like this:
‘Come on, let us through, I’ve got a van load of muzungos!’
‘So what?’
Indeed, so what? We are all human!
Ok, really wasn’t looking forward to today. We were taken to Gisozi, the Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali. Before coming, I’d obviously read a few books, seen ‘Hotel Rwanda’ but was sort of waiting until I got here to learn any more about it. As you’d expect, it was full of many upsetting images and testimonies of the genocide and even had the skulls and bones of victims on display. Going around en masse, I found a bit weird. I’m never sure about these kinds of museums- in a way I feel a bit like a voyeur and wonder what exactly I should be looking to see. To be honest, I guess I’m a little shocked by how much I’m no longer shocked. I won't even try to explain how or why the genocide happened in Rwanda, since there are enough books and films out there written by people who lived the horror etc. However, when the colonizers decided that people could be divided neatly into ethnic groups (Hutu, Tutsi, Twa) by the way they looked and then stated this on an identity card for their own political ends, it was certainly not to promote harmony... But it seems no matter how many times this happens and how many times we are shocked, people will continue to be killed because of their differences whether religious, political or physical…
At the end of the visit we watched a really powerful film ‘We are all Rwandans’. It told the story, based on real events, of teenagers at a boarding school. They were trying to come to terms with the genocide by focusing on the fact they were all Rwandan rather than Hutu, Tutsi or Twa. And so, when a group of militia entered their school demanding they separate into the ethnic groups, they refused. The friends died united as Rwandans...
We left the memorial centre after that, loaded back onto the minibus and…straight into a road block! There didn’t seem to be any reason for it but they were definitely not letting any cars through. Just as we approached it though, our driver thought he’d play the ‘muzungo’ card - I’m pleased to say we were not let through and though my kinyarwanda is still in its early stages I’m guessing the conversation went a bit like this:
‘Come on, let us through, I’ve got a van load of muzungos!’
‘So what?’
Indeed, so what? We are all human!
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