Some Hikes, Friends and Students

Today, the last Saturday of the month, is a work day in Rwanda where each community gets together and does some community work together.  In Kigeme, time was spent cleaning the 'downtown' core.
We went for a great walk with our friend, JC, and explored the hills in and around the Kigeme area.  We met lots of people and were treated to some fantastic scenery.

Some of the local beauty

Our friend JC. He has been a big help as our translator and we can always count on him to find out where we need to be!

After the morning work was over, the people gathered to elect local representatives and leaders - a very interesting process!

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After lunch, and getting some stuff done around our little place (including getting a lesson in how to wash clothing properly, 'African Style'!) we headed out for an opportunity to see some of our students  sponsored in secondary school.  The timing of our trip this year makes it difficult to see them all, as the schools are still in session, but students in nearby schools are trying to come see us.  We met with two right here in Kigeme. 

Sylvain NIYOMUGABO is in year 3 of the 6 years of secondary school - he is supported by friends in the UK!

We also had the opportunity to go visit a school about 10 km away from here that 11 of our sponsored students are at!  TTC Mbuga (teacher training centre) has approximately 642 students, all in the last three years of their secondary education.  Students choose one of 4 streams of study; Early Childhood Education, Modern Language Education, Science /Math Education or Social Studies Education.  They described a typical day in the life of a student at their school.
4:15 - wake up and get themselves cleaned up and ready
5:30 - individual studies
6:30 - clean up around the school (grounds were very clean!)
7:10 - breakfast (porridge, sometimes bread as well)
7:30 - assembly
8:00 - classes
10:30 - break
10:44 - classes
12:25 - lunch
1:30 - classes
5:00 - PE / Sport
6:00 - clean up
6:30 - individual studies
7:20 - dinner
8:00 - individual studies / group studies
9:30 - bed

We heard very loudly a thank you to ALL their sponsors and supporters for the help with school fees.  These students are determined to make the most out of the opportunity that they have been given!

One of many motivational signs located around the school grounds

We had an opportunity to chat with the students and to find out how they are enjoying their education.

The students of TTC Mbuga with Chrysostome, our liaison in Rwanda and the person in charge of the sponsorship program in the Kigeme Diocese. He does an AMAZING job!