After we recovered from the morning run, we went to a ceremony celebrating the graduation of the new paravets (43 in total). These are the paravets being trained to assist the farmers who will be contributing their milk to the Milk Collection Centre. The older paravets who we trained a few years ago were there to celebrate with their fellow Rwandans. The graduates were very happy at their successful completion of the course. The Bishop was present as well as a number of the Pastors from the different Archdeaconries. There were a few sector veterinarians present and, of course, the food security team.
We encouraged the new paravets to continue their learning and encouraged the older paravets and the veterinarians to be mentors to their new charges. These new paravets will indeed make a big difference in the Kigeme Diocese for farmers and their livestock. It will be exciting to see the changes as time progresses.
The conversation progressed to discussing how to help each other, and encouragement - to not just wait for the perfect job but to set goals and work hard in smaller projects to reach them. One of our most senior students, Alexis, stated that he was discouraged by the low salary of his first teaching job. So, he started with three chickens to supplement his income. He is now married with one child and living in his own home. He encouraged all of the other students to not just stick with only one job – to work hard and use their time wisely. He has focussed on establishing his family and home. He has reached that goal and now wants to focus on giving back to his community. As we left, the group was exchanging contact information and are going to try to form an association to support each other. What a powerful group of young men and women – very encouraging for the future!
We then had another delicious meal at the Bishop’s home. Rwandan hospitality is second to none!