Lots of shuttling across town today, using the whole variety of transport options: moto taxis, auto taxis, overloaded public bus, Alexi's vehicle. We met in the morning with Pastor Azarias, who is supporting ANGE as part of his mission work at Mt. Zion Temple Church in Kigali.
ANGE needs plenty of guidance on managing its affairs - everything from banking to document storage to invoicing to organizational management. The women at ANGE live on very little. Over 90% make less than $0.50 per day and support large families with that amount. Many of the women have AIDS, so it is not easy for them to work all the time. Anaclet, Azarias and I briefly discussed how we might improve the situation. We'll be looking for a part-time manager to work there, someone who can oversee their affairs on a regular basis. We also hope to have some university interns pitching in on that front. Perhaps local NGOs can help with AIDS drugs. Of course, funding is part of what holds us back. To read more about ANGE, or consider donating to help them out, click here.
I'm reminded today of one joyful part of living in Kigali: the down-time on crowded VW-type buses. As an American, it's easy to see it as lost time. I'm not being particularly productive (where's my wireless internet?) and there are usually 12-20 of your closest friends crammed in next to you. Despite the constant flow of people climbing over you, the bus ride becomes a time of peaceful reflection, friendly chatter, incomprehensible (but very funny jokes), and simple bemusement at the littlest of things. Not to mention that you quickly master the art of seat selection: closest to the window or next to the driver is best (you'll have to figure out why on your own). Somehow I resolve more things on the bus than in my office. Ahh, Rwanda...
ANGE needs plenty of guidance on managing its affairs - everything from banking to document storage to invoicing to organizational management. The women at ANGE live on very little. Over 90% make less than $0.50 per day and support large families with that amount. Many of the women have AIDS, so it is not easy for them to work all the time. Anaclet, Azarias and I briefly discussed how we might improve the situation. We'll be looking for a part-time manager to work there, someone who can oversee their affairs on a regular basis. We also hope to have some university interns pitching in on that front. Perhaps local NGOs can help with AIDS drugs. Of course, funding is part of what holds us back. To read more about ANGE, or consider donating to help them out, click here.
I'm reminded today of one joyful part of living in Kigali: the down-time on crowded VW-type buses. As an American, it's easy to see it as lost time. I'm not being particularly productive (where's my wireless internet?) and there are usually 12-20 of your closest friends crammed in next to you. Despite the constant flow of people climbing over you, the bus ride becomes a time of peaceful reflection, friendly chatter, incomprehensible (but very funny jokes), and simple bemusement at the littlest of things. Not to mention that you quickly master the art of seat selection: closest to the window or next to the driver is best (you'll have to figure out why on your own). Somehow I resolve more things on the bus than in my office. Ahh, Rwanda...
3 comments:
Can't wait to get there. hopefully in August...
Don't forget to say thank you! I've learned "Urakoze" for singular and "Murakoze" to thank a group. Test it out for me...
We're proud of you, Matt! You're impacting the world and inspiring us to join you.
Amahoro,
byron.
You know you are fitting in once a fellow passenger asks you to hold their groceries (or their baby).
The updates are great! They give a window into your experiences and the scope of the task in front of you.
Best wishes that the journey is fruitful and you accomplish the things on your list. Be sure to keep writing.
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