Paravets & Visiting More Farms

This morning we met with all the assistant Veterinary Technicians, or paravets!  There were the 9 certified, and the 4 new ones for the 4 new Food Security sites.  The 9 veterans reported lots of positives!  They all are proud of the work they are doing and feel they are helping farmers to improve in their farming abilities.  They not only work closely with the Food Security veterinarian, they are also called upon regularly by the different sector vets.  Rachael was very excited to hear about the difference they are making in the lives of people in the areas they serve!

The 4 new parapets are also excited about the learning they have had so far, and are already making use of their knowledge in their areas.  All the Paravets expressed appreciation for the training they have been given and vowed to work their hardest to serve.

The veterans have formed an association, and all contributed money to join, and a monthly stipend.  They started in March 2013 and have saved enough money to have already purchased one bull, and now have enough for a second.  There goal is to put a bull in each area!  Until they are all trained in artificial insemination, they feel this will be the way to improve the genetics in the cows.

After lunch we had an opportunity to meet with most of the new students for sponsorship!  A very eager group of young people!  There will be 26 new students available for sponsorship!

Afterwards we went off on a long walk to visit more of the APAP farms.  Along the way we met many people, lots of great kids, some working, some playing!!  Here are just a few....

A homemade soccer ball!

Bringing home sweet potatoes! This must be a heavy basket!!

This tire they run along keeping it going with a stick!

Another heavy load!

We visited 6 farms, all APAP members!

Rwanda - land of a thousand hills!!!