Monthly Archives: September 2015

Rwanda, Teaching

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE

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This is a game called “I spy with my little eye” that can keep you occupied anywhere. Number of participantes: 2 or over.

Step 1 – who  is the spy?

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Step 2 – select an object but do not reveal it yet.

Step 3 – give a clue – “my little eye spy something that moves.”

Step 4 – participantes will guess the object.

Step 5 – the person who gets the right object becomes the new spy.

DSC06134Step 6 – the clues can be funny  (it starts with the letter b)

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– it is passing by;

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– Suzel loves it;

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– it is everywhere in Ruhuha;

 

Learning, Rwanda

SUGAR CANE

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I have always been proud of my origins and everything that I have learned in my life. I am not afraid to try different things and there is in me intrinsically a nostalgic rural person. I like nature, animals, local crops and I have a keen interest in all these issues.  However coming from Brazil sugar cane was not strange for me. I like it and I ‘gnaw’  it like Rwandans do, from the town to most remote areas. I am fanatical for natural food.  So, when I saw a local man carrying sugar cane on his bike to sell it in the market I never hesitated – I bought one spear (about 2 metres long) as I knew exactly what to do with it.  I walked all the way from the school to my home carrying it, and I was looking forward to sharing it with my colleagues from Scotland. I ate a piece, gave a small piece to a colleague and most of it I gave to the children who were always nearby my house. That was exciting! The children loved and fought for it. My colleagues were not so keen.

DSC06221My sugar cane spear ….

DSC06230My Rwandan colleagues were always making me happy…

 

Reflection, Rwanda

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

At the start I was not sure what expect from my trip to Rwanda, having heard a little about the country and their history. But being at GS Rango, Groupe Scolaire Rango, was inspirational and emotional. Staff and students taught me a very important lesson. How it is to live in Rango community. It is a combination of respect, friendship and happiness.

It is easy for them to share a plate of food. It does not matter what it is on the table for eating. It can be only beans or with maize, banana, rice, goat and chips. There was always someone with a big heart thinking of me. When I was late for lunch, surprisely my plate was made and reserved. That was very thoughtful!

My mum used to say “where eats six, eats seven.” She was always right!

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Rwanda

WALKING IN RUHUHA

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I was always followed by the children after the school on my way home. I enjoyed it and I was always looking forward to that moment. They had that special  way to engage with me. It was a simple thing like – “Good morning!” Although it was “Good evening!” Or “How are you?” And suddenly I could feel a little hand holding mine. We walked hand in hand until they had to leave to take their way home. How sweet their company was! I loved it! Some children could develop a conversation with me and also be the interpreter for other children.

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Bon voyage, Business, Rwanda

LIVING COST IN RWANDA

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I am not sure how much money you need per day to live in Rwanda. But while in the country I wanted to have my own experience of how it is to be a Rwandan. So, I would like to share the cost of a few things. Currently £1 is about RWF 1104.00.

image -Moto taxi price in Kigali can be very challenging for a Muzungu (a white person). Prices can vary between RWF 300 and RWF 1000. Don’t forget to negotiate and agree the price of the ride in advance. RWF 300 each way is a fair price.

-A two-litre-bottle of water is between RWF 400 and RWF 1000. It is a good deal to know your area and local people.

-A samosa. It is delicious! It tastes like “Brazilian pastel” – RWF 150.

-Yogurt – RWF 400

-A toilet paper – RWF 200

-Bread (sliced) – RWF 100

-I love nibbles like peanuts (roasted and salted) – RWF 600 for a small container.

-Fruit – 4 bananas – RWF 100 and  2 avocados – RWF 100

DSC06526 -Dinner out – RWF 3.500

-Self service lunch – RWF 1000

-A pack of popcorn in the bus station – RWF 100. The smell of popcorn usually drives me crazy. I love it! It is free! 🙂

-Bus ticket from Kigali (Kimirongo) to Ruhuha – RWF 1.300

DSC06012 -Bus ticket in Kigali from Remera to Kimirongo – RWF 200

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-Bus ticket from Kigali (Remera) to Rwamagana RWF 1.050

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The prices are displayed on the bus. I hope the information is helpful!

 

Learning, Rwanda

MY KINYARWANDA

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It is a challenge and commitment to learn a new language, but with some strategies and resources in place it is possible to  learn how to speak in Kinyarwanda.

I recommend a phrase book. It is similar to a dictionary, but for phrases. It is helpful to memorise sentences and phrases that you need daily. I call it a “survival language.” I also have an app on my phone that helps me to work on my pronunciation and get familiar with Kinyarwanda vocabulary.

However, if you want to learn how to speak in Kinyarwanda, you have to practice the language out of a book. And if you want to learn it quickly, well, you have just to start it. Practice the language everyday. With fulltime dediction the whole process will take longer than 30 days.

Learning, Reflection, Rwanda

WHILE IN RWANDA

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These are some of the questions I was asked:

1- Would you move to Rwanda?
2- Would you come back?
3- How do I know my talents?
4- How to not disappoint my family if I choose a profession that is not the one that they want me to follow?
5- How long does it take to get married in Scotland?
6- What do I have to do to go abroad?
7- What are you going to leave for us that will inspire us, that will remind us that you were here?

 

Bon voyage, Business, Reflection, Rwanda

WHAT A BIKE CAN TAKE

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Bike is a synonym of status in Ruhuha, Rwanda. It is either a means of transport for commercial or personal purposes. It is an economic source and to have a bicycle is a dream that many people wish to come true in their life.

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DSC06170Bicycles have become the best transport to get students to their schools.

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Peddling is  an asset in Ruhuha and people depend on the bikes heavily.

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