After our introduction to the Women For Women organization we headed to the Kayonza district. The last half of our two hour drive was on deeply rutted roads into the remote village. Upon our arrival about 80 women greeted us – they immediately started singing and dancing. The smile on their faces was contagious. My sponsor “sister” was introduced to us – shyly she hugged me and whispered in her small voice how very happy she was to meet me in person. We stood together holding each other for longest time as the other women looked on.
The children gathered around and right away Bunny stole their hearts. She took their photo and then showed them the digital image – they laughed and twirled around with excitement. At first they were very shy around the camera but once they saw their image they trailed Bunny every where she went. The women were so surprised at Bunny’s age and that Dan was her son – they clapped in celebration and acknowledgment.
Today each group was discussing and learning about HIV prevention and care. They asked us if we had this disease in America and how did married couples live with the disease. Some of the women spoke up and told us how the training that Women for Women provided them had changed their lives. Over 50% of the group was widowed women, many were not widowed but without husbands and economically deprived.
In the program the women are given a small amount of money - they are taught how to save the money and are given a bank account. Once the year of training is finished the group of 20 will decide how to spend the monies that has been saved. Some groups buy a cow while others start small businesses; collectively they all work together on the project. We were very impressed with the program and the staff. It was heartwarming to experience the hope and progression that the program offers these women.
After we said our goodbyes and captured a few more photos we headed to Claudine’s home. We were greeted warmly by Claudine’s mother and elderly aunt. Neighbors gathered around to witness the visit – wide eyed and curious.
Claudine lives with her mother, father, her two children, her brother and sister in a small two room hut. They had prepared for our visit by decorating their hut - hanging sorghum from the ceiling – the walls were freshly painted with white chalk like paste. The dirt yard had been swept clean and they were all dressed in their Sunday best.
During our visit we were told that the only food source that this village had was sorghum, beans and bananas. Rice is considered only for the more affluent families. Before we left Bunny gave them two large bags of beef jerky, dried fruit and trail mix. They were unsure of what they had been given but pleased to have been presented with food.
Prior to our departure Claudine gifted us a peace basket that she had made especially for our visit. Inside there was a photo of her and her two children. You could see in her eyes that she was pleased with her gift and so joyful that we were appreciative of it.
We gathered the family for a photo, said our goodbyes and as we drove away we noticed that everyone was waving aggressively and wearing huge smiles.
Our hearts were full!
The children gathered around and right away Bunny stole their hearts. She took their photo and then showed them the digital image – they laughed and twirled around with excitement. At first they were very shy around the camera but once they saw their image they trailed Bunny every where she went. The women were so surprised at Bunny’s age and that Dan was her son – they clapped in celebration and acknowledgment.
Today each group was discussing and learning about HIV prevention and care. They asked us if we had this disease in America and how did married couples live with the disease. Some of the women spoke up and told us how the training that Women for Women provided them had changed their lives. Over 50% of the group was widowed women, many were not widowed but without husbands and economically deprived.
In the program the women are given a small amount of money - they are taught how to save the money and are given a bank account. Once the year of training is finished the group of 20 will decide how to spend the monies that has been saved. Some groups buy a cow while others start small businesses; collectively they all work together on the project. We were very impressed with the program and the staff. It was heartwarming to experience the hope and progression that the program offers these women.
After we said our goodbyes and captured a few more photos we headed to Claudine’s home. We were greeted warmly by Claudine’s mother and elderly aunt. Neighbors gathered around to witness the visit – wide eyed and curious.
Claudine lives with her mother, father, her two children, her brother and sister in a small two room hut. They had prepared for our visit by decorating their hut - hanging sorghum from the ceiling – the walls were freshly painted with white chalk like paste. The dirt yard had been swept clean and they were all dressed in their Sunday best.
During our visit we were told that the only food source that this village had was sorghum, beans and bananas. Rice is considered only for the more affluent families. Before we left Bunny gave them two large bags of beef jerky, dried fruit and trail mix. They were unsure of what they had been given but pleased to have been presented with food.
Prior to our departure Claudine gifted us a peace basket that she had made especially for our visit. Inside there was a photo of her and her two children. You could see in her eyes that she was pleased with her gift and so joyful that we were appreciative of it.
We gathered the family for a photo, said our goodbyes and as we drove away we noticed that everyone was waving aggressively and wearing huge smiles.
Our hearts were full!
2 comments:
Hi Joyce,
This is Ricki Weisberg at Women for Women International in DC. Thanks for writing so beautifully about your visit to meet your sister. I love Rwanda, one of my most favorite places in the world. Give me a call when you get back I would love to hear more about your trip and see all of your photos. Thank you for sharing your experience!
...Ricki
Ricki Weisberg| Strategic Initiatives Manager, Office of the President |
Women for Women International
w 202-521-9523
ricki@womenforwomen.org | www.womenforwomen.org
Stronger Women, Stronger Nations.
Sponsor a woman survivor of war.
Wow, I just love reading your journals. I truly feel like I am walking in your shoes. It is awe inspiring to read your posts. I can't wait to read the next one.
Strong work.
Dave
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