Tag Archives: Inspirational

Rwanda

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

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10/07/2015

Friday – I went to school in the morning and in the afternoon I left Ruhuha to Kigali. The journey took me about 2 hours and at the bus station I met my  colleagues to go to Rwamagana. We were all very excited to be together, to share our experiences and difficulties faced in our placements. We talked about our accommodation , water, food, health, schools, teachers, students and life in Rwanda. The house in Rwamagana was lovely, with big rooms, bathroom, kitchen and a backyard. In fact, a luxury!

It was not very late when 2 big safari Jeeps drove us to a ‘pousada’ nearby Akagera. How excited it was to have my own room with a hot shower. My own bathroom was translated to ‘happiness.’ I got emotional!

It was 5:30am when we got up for breakfast. As usual, it took ages to be prepared. We were supposed to leave at 6am, but that never happened. Anyway, we had a very strong African tea which they mix with milk and ginger. I little spicy for me! We also had ham, cheese, boiled eggs, bread and butter.

Then, an early morning of our so expected weekend. When we left the hotel the road was quiet and the air fresh. The bicycle riders were on their way to work.

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I was extremely thankful for that moment. I was feeling the peace and looking forward to seeing the animals in their wild habitat. Akagera National Park presents the most scenic African’s Savannah reserve.

image Here my adventure starts at ‘Akagera National Park’ in Rwanda and Anaclet is our oficial safari guide. (9am -11/07/2015).

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Look at the size of that elephant head! It’s amazing! Well, you never know what wildlife encounter might present next minute! Giraffes, elephants, zebras, baboos, antelopes, buffalos, crocodiles, hippos, thousands of hippos…

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The first animals I saw: a family of baboons, 4 giraffes in a distance, which made them look so small and something that looked like zebras. It took hours to see the animals closer. The giraffes were so magnificent! So elegant! So magestic! But the time I heard the elephants I got so so excited. And I loved all the stories about the animals.

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Rwanda

WELCOMING A NEW BORN BABY

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imageimageimageimageWhat happens when a child is born  in Rwanda?

It is a special moment for celebration. Relatives and friends bring with them all kinds of gifts as a sign of love  and friendship. The presents can be milk, baby’s clothes, banana, beens, soap and also some money. Everybody cares and giving money is always received as a blessing of riches to the new baby born.  The baby is also seen as a gift and a blessing from God.

I had the privilege to visit a lovely family, hold the baby and pray with the famiky and friends to thank Lord for such a special moment.

A speech is a must for the proud dad! We all had a drink and took lots of pictures. Remember we love photos!

 

 

 

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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Bon voyage, Learning, Reflection

THE BIKES IN RUHUHA

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I want to dedicate some special posts for the stunning bikes that are turning heads, at least mine, on the long wide street of Ruhuha.

I love them! They are colourfully painted and decorated with meaningful words . Their owners are proud of what the bike means for them and for the community. The personalisation of the bikes is outstanding. This one is a taxi express!

DSC06162I could not stop photographing them.

DSC06167The driver is more than happy to pose for a picture. “Simba” in Swahili is Lion. Is “Tujyende Simba” Lion of Judah?

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The Hebrew word “Shalom” means peace.

DSC06161 “Mana” is God in Kinyarwanda.

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Hiace is a van used as a mini bus in Rwanda. So you can imagine what this bike can take. “Bring it on!”

DSC06169How cool this bike is!

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Rwanda, Teaching and Learning

IN CLASSROOM

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IMG_5042The beauty of life is to be thankful for what you have at any time. You can be surprised by a smile, be excited for an invitation and amazed when things are bleak. I find life is a lot easier the lower I keep my expectations as it helps me to understand the reality. With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life. So, strive for the best you can have in your life.

My happiness is to enjoy what I do, wherever I am and with whatever I have.

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My experience at GS Rango Secondary school brought peace to my heart and love to my soul. While I was listening to someone, I was learning. When I was looking at something, I was delighted at the thought of reaching that land. In the classroom I saw enthusiasm, bright minds and hard working people. They are all eager to learn and ambitious for a better future.

Rwanda, Teaching and Learning

CHESS IN THE LIBRARY

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13 July 2015 – 9:07 am

I think that life is like a game of chess. You have to take decisions, move toward different directions, face rules and obstacles in order to succeed. But above all you have to learn how to think and think critically of the consequences of the decision made and taken, because they will affect you and other people.

After meeting teachers and students, I realised that not all of them knew about the game of chess. Some had never heard about it and a few had seen it in films. Despite the fact that I never mastered chess, I met teachers and students in the library for a session. It was amazing! Look at us!

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Reflection, Rwanda, Teaching and Learning

MEETING THE STUDENTS

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10th July 2015 – 7:46am

It was during a chemistry lesson that I was invited to speak to a group of students. I was not only surprised with this opportunity that  was given to me, but I was also impressed by the students’ confidence and the type of questions that they asked. And one question in particular that struck me was: “How can you inspire us?”

Wow! I took a deep breath and I said: “Well, I have been a teacher for 20 years, but more than that I have been a student for my entire life. It means that I learn something new every day. Yes, some people have inspired me and  encouraged me to pursue my dreams. So like you, I still have dreams and it is impossible to predict about our tomorrow. What I know is that, you have to live your present life to the full and you need to give the best of yourself in everything you do. Be honest, try hard, be wise and critical. But above all, be yourself! Find out about your talents and explore them.  Whatever you do, do it with love.”

Again I took my breath, caught a glimpse of the whole class, but they were staring at me:

“In fact, I only can be myself! I hope I can share with you who I am and my life experience.  Life is wonderful and usually full of surprises. And  as an example here I am, my first time in Africa, Ruhuha, at GS Rango.”