2024 Rwanda Delegation— Danae Hardy
Childhood Education ‘24
I decided to study abroad in Rwanda because I want to learn how to incorporate Story-Based Learning into my future classroom! As an educator, I believe it is imperative to allow students to participate in student centered activities. I am also looking forward to learning about Rwanda's reconciliation practices following the 1994 genocide. I am excited to explore a new culture and connect with my amazing peers!
June 5, 2024
Today was my first official day in Rwanda! My day was filled with authentic cultural experiences. The top left picture I took was at the Kigali Genocide Memorial center. It’s been 30 years since the 1994 Genocide took place in Rwanda. “Kwibuka” means to remember in Kinyarwanda language. I learned various things about Rwandan culture and the victims of the genocide. The top right picture is Rwandan currency! These bills are very colorful and have interesting graphics. I took the bottom picture while touring Kigali. This city has amazing people and agriculture. I am excited to learn more on my journey as I immerse myself in Rwandas rich culture!
June 6, 2024
Today was amazing! I visited the Nyamata Memorial Genocide in Kigali. We entered a church where victims were killed during the 1994 genocide. I felt a strong spiritual presence in the church, and I analyzed pictures of the victims. Shortly after my classmates and I debriefed about our feelings and ate delicious fruits. Later, I visited a village where victims and perpetrators of the genocide live in the same community. These individuals learned to take steps of healing and forgiveness together. Rwandans are very strong people and have forgiving hearts!
June 7, 2024
Unique
Responsible
Uplifting
Knowledgeable
Understanding
Nurturing
Determined
Optimistic
In Kinyarwanda, Urukundo means love. Today I visited the Urukundo Learning Center in Muhanga. This school is filled with vibrant children and teachers. This school has created a safe space for children to interact and explore their Rwandan culture. I enjoyed getting to see many bright smiles and participate in various outdoor activities on the playground with the children!
June 8, 2024
Today I met teachers from all over Muhanga at the Urukundo Learning Center. We participated in SBL. It felt very good to observe and participate in engaging activities with these educators. I applied my learning from my GST course directly into the classroom! As a new educator, I am grateful to learn from others to advance my teaching practices. I look forward to sharing my knowledge of SBL practices with my students at West Buffalo Charter School.
June 10, 2024
Children are the leaders of tomorrow! Today was our last day at the Urukundo Learning Center in Muhanga. I attended an amazing assembly in the morning. The students and teachers greeted us by singing songs. As an educator in America, I was amazed at how lively the students were in the morning! These students are very respectful and start the school day off with a prayer. I felt very emotional as I observed this assembly because students should be instilled with positivity to prepare them for their day. After the assembly, I went into a 3rd grade classroom and observed an English class. I also interacted with the students at recess. This trip has been life changing for me! I value Rwanda's education system because they effectively prepare their students for a successful future!
June 11, 2024
Today we visited Huye Mountain Coffee. I was given a brief introduction on the coffee production by a tour guide named Eric. We hiked up very steep hills, were taken through a process of the origins of coffee, and appropriate lands to harvest. Coffee harvesting season is from March to June. Throughout the tour we learned how to harvest coffee from crop to cup! This process was very tedious and fun to experience! As we hiked, I saw many Rwandans who live on the hills and were working. I am blessed to learn and observe Rwanda’s amazing agriculture.
June 13, 2024
“And then I realized adventure was the best way to learn.” My experience in Rwanda has expanded my mind in many ways! Over the past two days, I hiked in Nyungwe National Park, participated in a canopy walk, went to a traditional African market, and collaborated with Rwandan educators! I truly enjoy exploring Rwanda and learning it’s history. My classmates and I joined a small group with Rwandan educators at the KGM. As an African American, I feel disconnected from my African roots. It was very insightful to learn and be accepted from Rwandans. This experience is effectively contributing to my personal growth. I look forward to learning more about PVE from Rwandan educators tomorrow!
June 14, 2024
Rwanda has remarkable people and culture. Every day I learn something new! I admire their dedication to rebuilding their communities since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Rwandans take pride in educating, supporting, and inspiring their youth! I learned 70% of the Rwandan population is under the age of 30, while 30% of the population is over the age of 30. The younger generation has been guided and educated on their history by the older generations. Rwanda's reconciliation process has made tremendous progress and effectively restored their society! I wish other countries would take more time to learn about their journey towards reconciliation. Society would be a much better place if we untie as one instead of separating ourselves based on differences.
June 16, 2024
Today we visited Azizi Life to experience a day in a life as a villager in a rural Rwandan household! This experience was very humbling. When we first arrived to the village we were greeted by many women with bright smiles and welcoming arms. The women introduced themselves by stating their names, ages, how many children they have, etc. After introductions the women dressed us in their traditional Rwandan clothing. Shortly after, we prepared cassava and put it in beans for lunch. Our afternoon was filled with various activities such as cutting grass to feed to the cow, gardening, fetching water, and weaving bracelets. I’ve always dreamed of traveling to Africa and immersing myself in their beautiful culture! I’m happy that my dream came true. This trip has helped me gain multiple perspectives on society and life outside of America. I will forever cherish this global learning experience.
June 18, 2024
Wow! Today was my last day in Rwanda. I learned so many new things about African culture and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. This trip was special because I was immersed in Rwandan culture. We traveled to Kigali, Muhanga, Huye, and Akagera. I enjoyed observing urban and rural households. This trip allowed me to experience a typical day in the life for Rwandans. I’ve developed closer relationships with my peers and adjusted to life in Africa. As an educator, I am happy to apply kinesthetic learning and peace value education into my classroom. I will forever cherish all the lessons and knowledge I’ve learned on this trip.