This school week was much different than the last two for us. We have been settled in with our homestay families for about 3 1/2 days, but this morning, we had to navigate our way to class on our own for the first time. Some of us were dropped off, others like myself had to figure out the bus system, which was very busy this Monday morning in Kigali! We all made it, eventually! This morning in class we enjoyed a lecture from Dr. Michelle, focused on the immediate aftermaths of genocide. The topic incited an abundance of conversation amongst us. Since we have been in Rwanda for two weeks learning about the genocide itself, we now have the knowledge to focus on other topics such as consequences of genocide.
After a productive class, we got to enjoy ourselves at the Kimironko market! This a very busy market, full of so many things such as: clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, and many other possible souvenirs. It is easy to get lost in this market with its high shelves, narrow walkways, and overload of merchants. However, it is so exciting getting to interact with Rwandans in a fun environment such as Kimironko. Leaving this market is the hardest, because you always feel like you are missing something, because there is so much to choose from!
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| Hailey, Cara, Faduma, and myself at the market! |
Immediately after leaving the market, we walked to a clothing store ran and owned by Sunday, a huge help to us all and friend. He hires single mothers in his store and teaches them how to sew. Everything in his shop is handmade, with the option of getting items specifically tailored to you. This store is filled with so many beautiful pieces such as: shirts, skirts, pants, jumpsuits, jackets, and many more items. There are so many vibrant fabrics to chose from as well. Many of us decided to get pieces made, that we are excited to get, and try on in the next few days!
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Luke holding the lovely fabric he chose for his custom-made shirt!
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To end our day, we made our last stop at AVEGA. This is the Association of Genocide Widows. It was created January, 1995, as the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. Many individuals had lost loved ones in the genocide, specifically their significant others. This left many traumatized widows, with no families after the genocide. AVEGA was created to reintegrate these widows back into their communities, but more importantly offer counseling services, which was new in Rwanda. We had the opportunity to speak with a clinical psychologist at AVEGA, telling us the many great things this program does and continues to do even 25 years after the genocide! Most widows are now elderly, so the program has expanded itself into other areas such as government housing and medical insurance. They also extend services to orphans, and other children that were impacted by the genocide as well. To learn more about this organization, feel free to go to the link shown in the sign posted below!
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| The website link is in the right hand corner! |
Murakoze,
Dameona Meriweather
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