RWANDA - GIRLS INITIATIVE

On May 19^th, 500 villagers from Gashora gathered along with representatives of the local and national Rwandan government and other friends of Rwanda Girls Initiative to dedicate the recently completed community center, “Urumuli rwa Gashora,”  the Light of Gashora.  As the ribbon was cut and the crowd entered the building, everyone was so excited to see this pivotal piece of RGI’s vision made a reality: a place for the people of Gashora to gather for meetings and celebrations, a true bridge between the Gashora Girls Academy and the surrounding community.  Soon classes will begin in agricultural techniques, English literacy, nutrition, and bike repair (specifically requested by the women’s cooperative).

Several groups from local schools and cooperatives came to share their songs and dances with us.  No gathering would be complete without the bright sounds and colors of traditional Rwandan dancing!  Charles Murigande, the Minister of Education and the keynote speaker, reminded everyone about how horribly devastated Bugesera District (the county) was during the genocide and why investment in this area is so important. He emphasized the need for girls to be educated, especially in science and technology.  Francoise, a woman from the local weaving cooperative, read a poem in Kinyarwanda about the community center and school.  Below are just a few stanzas of the English translation, or you can read her full poem here:

Humbly I will talk until the dawn about your generosity
In bringing learning to the people of Rwanda;
In teaching us new ways to improve our lives,
Thank you so much, and never stop.

Shining Light—our Light donated by wonderful people,
For whom I wish God’s constant blessings and protection,
For they are taking us all the way to progress …

From now on, we are no longer alone;
We will gather into this place on a regular basis
To acquire more knowledge and various skills,
To learn foreign languages and practice sports

After the dedication of the community center, we broke ground on the school.  With laughter and a few tears, we placed bricks into the first pillar of the Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology – along with Minister Murigande, Senator Inyumba, Peter, and Maria, our in-country director.  We were thrilled to have so many friends of the project in attendance, including US Ambassador Stuart Symington.  Thanks everyone for making this day so memorable!