Tag Archives: Reflection

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…

 

Business, Learning, Reflection, Rwanda

INDIGENOUS WAY OF BUILDING

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The rustic methods of construction with free, local materials is engineered to create simple architecture that is indigenous to the area, and which is deeply engrained in olden times.
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When I saw the local people preparing the muddy for this construction, I thought about my dad who was a builder in Brazil. Many times I saw him making the same type of muddy cake to set the bricks. And I am thinking where my dad’s knowledge came from.

This is my dad

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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.

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.”

Reflection, Teaching and Learning

SCHOOL GARDEN

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The school grows a garden with different vegetables and fruits for its own sustainance. It is a type of labour that often young people can look down on as a punishment. But by teaching agriculture the younger generation will support and improve farming and living in Rwanda.

I was able to identify most of the leaves except the “dodo.” Dodo is an African indigenous vegetable that is grown and harvested in the wild.  I had it everyday for my luch in the school. It was picked from the school garden, rinsed, chopped and cooked with beens, banana and meat. Delicious and healthy! I love it.

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Tomato – urunyanya
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Onion – igitunguru

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Papaia – paw paw

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Banana – igitoki ( plantation) and umuneke (ripe banana)

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Orange – icunga

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Dodo

Reflection, Rwanda

THE LONG STREET OF RUHUHA

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7th July 2015 – 12:30pm

I know that there are many firsts when you arrive in a new place and in Ruhuha it was not different. Yes, it was my first feeling and impression of life passing by and a spirit of contentment fulfilled my soul. My eyes zoom everything in all directions and the long large street of Ruhuha amazes me. The soil is dry and the orange dust covers everything. Life in Ruhuha seems to be unique.

imageIt is the movement of people and bikes everywhere that makes Ruhuha so special. The riders are more than happy to approach and offer a ride for 200 RWF (it is only 20 pence).

Accommodation, Packing, Rwanda

TIME TO LEAVE FOR RUHUHA

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7th July 2015 – 8:30

It is time to leave Kigali for the place I will stay for four weeks. It is Ruhuha, Mareba Sector in the District of Bugesera in Rwanda.

The region is predominantly arid and the vegetation is characterised by short grass, savannas, shrubs and short trees.

The climate is dry and the temperature average ranges between 26 and 29C.

image image imageI am looking forward to seeing my house and to  know everything about Ruhuha.  It is about 60 km from Kigali.

Reflection, Rwanda

MY JOURNAL

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I am supposed to write a journal about my experience in Rwanda. However I am not so sure if I know how to do it. It seems to me that a journal is like a diary as the entries can be daily. So, I hope my written activities summarise my most intimate thoughts, which will help me to keep myself on track of all the events that have impressed me or in some way have had  an impact on me.

In fact, the main objective of this blog is to bind things together and bring alive a memorable trip to Rwanda, July 2015.image