2024 Rwanda Delegation— Jemia Bennett
Early Childhood Education, Theater ‘24
I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of Story-Based Learning and experiencing Rwanda's incredibly rich and diverse culture. I'm also looking forward to visiting the schools in Rwanda and educating their teachers about SBL. Lastly, I'm looking forward to all the different sites and locations we will see.
June 5, 2024
today was hard.
seeing the bodies,
the skulls,
their blood,
their clothes,
their belongings,
their lives,
their stories.
pain.
it hurts seeing the death,
it hurts seeing the grief,
it hurts seeing the children without their parents,
it hurts seeing the mothers without their children,
it hurts seeing the bodies on the streets,
it hurts seeing the pictures,
thinking about how that could have been my mom,
or my dad,
or my brothers,
or my grandparents,
or my friends;
what if it was them?
what if it was me?
me.
there with my picture hanging up,
a glimpse of my life on display.
hanging there as they look at my face and wonder;
what was she like?
where did she live?
did she have kids?
was she married?
where did she work?
where is her family?
me.
as they look at my torn-up shirt,
and my battered pants,
my wallet,
my house keys,
my bracelets,
my shoe,
my money,
or my favorite toy,
their eyes are filled with pain,
confusion,
anger,
sorrow,
guilt,
disappointment,
regret,
uncertainty,
and hope.
hopeful to see a better a tomorrow,
hoping that their souls find peace,
hopeful to see us become the change we seek,
hoping that this vicious cycle will stop,
hopeful to see a better me.
but until then,
i’ll be sitting outside thinking about how today was hard.
~ Jemia B.
June 6, 2024
i prayed last night:
“lord i commit our lives into your hands”.
i prayed when the violence started,
i prayed when the food ran out,
i prayed when we had to flee from home,
i prayed when i passed the bodies on the street,
i prayed when i smelled the rotting flesh,
i prayed when we found the church,
i prayed that morning as i do every day:
“lord i commit our lives into our hands”.
i prayed when the grenade went off,
i prayed as they entered the church,
i prayed when they took my father and brother outside,
i prayed when i heard them begging,
i prayed when i heard the gunshots,
i prayed when my mother was hit,
i prayed as i watched the blood spill from her head,
i prayed as they removed my clothes,
i prayed for it to stop,
i prayed at the thought of my family,
that they felt no pain,
i prayed when he picked up the gun,
i prayed when i knew my time had come,
i prayed:
“lord, i commit our souls into your hands”.
June 8, 2024
Today, we visited a local school in Muhanga village where we assisted the teachers in setting up a classroom for their preschoolers. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the women singing, which was a beautiful experience. We then split into groups and created various posters for the children, which we later hung up around the classroom. Taliyah and I made a poster about animals, labeling each one in both English and Kinyarwanda. It was fulfilling to contribute to the history of that classroom and the community in my own way. We ended the day with laughter and games, and I felt as though I left a piece of myself with them.
June 10, 2024
We attended the morning assembly at the Urukundo Learning Center today. Observing how disciplined and united all the students are made me reflect on the education system we have in the United States. I loved how the students sing and pray to start their morning; it really sets the tone for their day and puts them in the right mindset to learn. I wish we could implement a similar practice with our students back home, as students in the U.S. often lack the same excitement and motivation to go to school. Additionally, the teachers at Urukundo bring positivity and energy, which rubs off on the students. If the teachers look tired and uninterested, the students will reflect the same behaviors in the classroom. Seeing this has laid the foundation for what I want my classroom environment to look like.
June 12, 2024
Today I conquered one of my greatest fears: heights. The journey began with a sense of dread as I thought about the canopy ahead. Our path started with a scenic trail, where the beauty of the trees, mountains, hills, and skyline was breathtaking. We even encountered a monkey along the way!
When we finally reached the canopy, I saw there were three sections. The first one was short, the second was the longest, and the third was also short. As I stepped onto the first canopy, I moved cautiously but managed to make it across. My fear lessened slightly, but the thought of the long second canopy loomed over me.
As I crossed the second canopy, I gradually felt calmer and began to enjoy the stunning scenery. The experience was peaceful, and for a moment, I felt like I was on top of the world, gazing at the expanse of trees and mountains. Before I knew it, I had completed the second canopy! It was a significant accomplishment for me. By the time I reached the third canopy, my fear had vanished entirely.
We were given the option to either hike back or return on the canopies. To my surprise, I chose to go back on the canopy, even taking the lead once. The hike back, however, was more challenging than the initial journey. It seemed endless, and by the end, I was exhausted and sweaty. But I felt proud, having reached an important milestone in my life.
June 13, 2024
Today, we met with the teachers at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. We expanded upon what SBL (Service-Based Learning) is by building our own village rules.
Then we broke out into different groups, mixing with Rwandans, and had deep discussions about the history of racism, bias, and prejudice in America and in Rwanda. We spoke extensively about the Black experience in America and how poorly African Americans are treated. We also addressed the issue of gun violence in America and the frequent occurrence of mass shootings. The Rwandans in our group expressed great concern about this matter and asked us why it happens.
Additionally, we discussed the conflict between Africans and African Americans, highlighting how society works to pit us against each other despite being the same people. We also talked about the mental health epidemic in the United States and how it plays a significant role in the mass shootings and persistent displays of violence in America.
Finally, we compared and contrasted how our governments respond to the needs of their citizens. The Rwandan government has implemented numerous measures to ensure its people never suffer from similar atrocities again. In contrast, in America, our government often seems to put measures in place that keep African American people marginalized.
June 15, 2024
Today, we visited the Azizi Life Studio, and calling it an experience is an understatement. We began by meeting the women and making introductions. They dressed us in their traditional garments, making us feel quite special and welcomed. We then had the chance to experience a day in a rural Rwandan household, participating in various activities such as weeding in the fields, creating banana leaf crowns, collecting grass for the cows, fetching water, and singing and dancing together. We also assisted in cooking a meal, which we later shared. Our midday meal included a dish of beans and cassava, accompanied by avocados and bananas.
To end the day, we learned how to weave traditional handicrafts using plant fibers and natural dyes. We chose two colors from the dyed plant fibers, and one of the women guided us in weaving them into a bracelet. I selected dark blue and purple. On the drive home, I reflected on the experience and realized the privileges I often take for granted. The simple fact that I don’t need to travel miles every morning to have water in my house is a blessing. I am truly blessed more than I even know. This experience opened my eyes to the true meaning of happiness—it’s not about how much you have, but about appreciating what you have and making the most of it.
June 17, 2024
Our visit to Akagera National Park was a thrilling experience filled with exciting wildlife encounters. Setting out on the safari, we found a vast landscape filled with diverse animals. From playful baboons in the trees to majestic zebras grazing nearby, each sighting amazed us. Watching hippos resting by the water and elegant topis crossing the plains added to the park's enchanting atmosphere.
Yet, the most unforgettable moments were spotting Africa's iconic creatures. Seeing elephants in the distance and a leopard moving stealthily was exhilarating. We even got to watch a pride of lions with their playful cubs! The highlight was a giraffe crossing the road just meters away, a breathtaking sight that captured the park's natural beauty. Akagera National Park not only displayed its wildlife but also provided an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Africa's natural beauty.
Last Blog
The Journey
As I reflect on my time here,
I’m overcome with many emotions,
Grateful.
Grateful for the challenges that shaped me,
Grateful for the support that lifted me,
Grateful for the journey that defined me,
Grateful for the wisdom that guides me.
Inspired.
Inspired to make a difference,
Inspired to spread kindness,
Inspired to chase my dreams,
Inspired to live authentically.
Strengthened.
Strength in my mind,
Strength in my heart,
Strength in my soul,
This has made me stronger,
I am stronger.
Proud.
Proud of the work I’ve done,
Proud of the growth I’ve seen,
Proud of the peace I’ve gained,
Proud of the person I’m becoming.
Hopeful.
Hopeful for the future's promise,
Hopeful for continued growth,
Hopeful for love and joy,
Hopeful for peace and harmony.
Empowered.
Enabled with the tools needed to change the world,
Equipped to always speak up,
Capable of turning dreams into reality,
Confident in my voice and my worth,
I am empowered.
Resilient.
Resilient in the face of adversity,
Resilient in times of uncertainty,
Resilient through every trial and tribulation,
Resilient with a spirit unbroken.
Whole.
Whole in my journey and destination,
Whole in my dreams and reality,
Whole in my past and present,
Whole in my being and becoming.
View Jemia’s StoryMap below where she connected her experience in Rwanda to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.