We had a great first full day in Rwanda! Many old friends came to greet us- for Carolyn and Rachael, it truly was coming back to our second home. We hit the ground running as always. We were up and visiting our first Food Security site, Cyivugiza by mid morning. This is a new site that was taken into the program in January of this year. For those of you who remember the video shown at the Silent Auction, this is the area featured in that video. It is a very poor area- 80% living below poverty line (<$1/day). We were so pleased with the changes that have occurred in the area. Pastor Vincent, the pastor of the church in the area, gave us a tour of the land. Last year, his vision was to clear 5.5 hectares of land and then start to plant crops like potatoes and corn. Well, they did manage to clear the land- 5.5 hectares- filled with trees and bush- HAND CLEARED by the local women!!!! An amazing feat!!!! They figure, if they can get all of the land cultivated- 6.5 hectares- that it will be enough to feed the entire area.
We also had a seminar with the beneficiaries where Rachael and Sandra discussed parasite control and the importance of regular deworming and spraying of the cattle. There were 150 out of 172 of the beneficiaries present that we support. They were eager to learn and very receptive to our advice.
This area, once so desolate and hopeless is showing real signs of regrowth! It was so fantastic to see.
We also had a seminar with the beneficiaries where Rachael and Sandra discussed parasite control and the importance of regular deworming and spraying of the cattle. There were 150 out of 172 of the beneficiaries present that we support. They were eager to learn and very receptive to our advice.
This area, once so desolate and hopeless is showing real signs of regrowth! It was so fantastic to see.
There are a lot more people in the Kigeme area this year. There is a UN refugee camp for people fleeing the conflict in The Congo set up on the hill opposite our guest house. This picture shows just a small section that we can see, it expands quite a ways - and houses about 12,000 refugees. So far the only effect we've noticed directly is the increase in people out and about.
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