Today we set out on another drive over interesting Rwandan roads to one of the furthest Food Security Sites. Mashiro is one of the newer food security sites. The last time we visited there was 2015. It took us 2.5 hours to get there in some interesting roads, but, we made it safe and sound. We were first treated to a lovely tea by Pastor Augustin. After that we met with some of the beneficiaries in one of the associations.
We got some very good reports from them including an update on their goats. The Udder Project gave them goats several years ago and also some maize seeds. From the seeds they were able to get a successful harvest. The goats were meant to be distributed to some of the beneficiaries and then the kids of the goats would rotate to other families. There are 77 members in this association and all but 11 members now have goats!!
They are also learning much about animal husbandry from their paravet, Gaspar.
They did mention some challenges- one of them being the challenge of having a reliable source of medications to treat the animals as well as the fact that there is only one veterinarian in the sector to help them. In addition, they also lost some crops this year due to bad seeds.
We discussed the issues they are having and some ways to approach the problems to solve them. We also discussed the fact that the information we received today will be discussed between us and the Food Security Team to see how we may help to come up with solutions for some of the challenges they face.
We also said that we are praying for them through out the year and, that even though we are far from them when we are in Canada, that they remain in our hearts.
Overall it was a lovely meeting and we found the members of this association motivated to work together to overcome their obstacles.
We got some very good reports from them including an update on their goats. The Udder Project gave them goats several years ago and also some maize seeds. From the seeds they were able to get a successful harvest. The goats were meant to be distributed to some of the beneficiaries and then the kids of the goats would rotate to other families. There are 77 members in this association and all but 11 members now have goats!!
They are also learning much about animal husbandry from their paravet, Gaspar.
They did mention some challenges- one of them being the challenge of having a reliable source of medications to treat the animals as well as the fact that there is only one veterinarian in the sector to help them. In addition, they also lost some crops this year due to bad seeds.
We discussed the issues they are having and some ways to approach the problems to solve them. We also discussed the fact that the information we received today will be discussed between us and the Food Security Team to see how we may help to come up with solutions for some of the challenges they face.
We also said that we are praying for them through out the year and, that even though we are far from them when we are in Canada, that they remain in our hearts.
Overall it was a lovely meeting and we found the members of this association motivated to work together to overcome their obstacles.
After the meeting we had a lovely lunch hosted, once again, by Pastor Augustin. Then we started the long drive back to Kigeme.
Tonight we will relax and rest to prepare for our adventures tomorrow!!
Tonight we will relax and rest to prepare for our adventures tomorrow!!