A blur of thoughts, and a work update (Caroline)

Today is Rwandan Independence day! (Ironically, I am sitting next to a boy wearing an american flag shirt and whose trying to apply to Indiana State University!)

None of the boys have school, so we had fun hanging out with them this morning. I’m sad about missing the fourth of July in Montreat, all of my family is going to be there, and I’m sure a bunch of friends. I have been missing my nieces and nephews (and sisters and parents!) a lot! I’m trying not to be too sad, because I realize how incredible of an opportunity I have right now. I met these boys and fell in love with all of them last year, and have been able to come back and be with them again! I am here again! Its amazing. I’m already starting to get anxious about the fact that we only have 11 days left and am thinking about opportunities to return.

This trip has been really neat because through art and with the help of the translator we’ve been able to learn soo much more about the boys’ actual stories and personalities. We’ve also learned some more about different needs of the boys. The actual setting up of a counseling program that continues while we are gone has been kind of up in the air. Consolée, the woman who was doing the program, is rarely here, and when she is, there never seems to be a person who speaks English well. I still plan on sitting down with her and really discussing what she sees as the needs of the boys. I realize there are differences culturally about how counseling works, but I have already received confirmation from one or two of the older boys that they really need somebody to talk with and somebody to help guide them in the next stage of their lives. I think that Umuryango is at a transition point, with some of the first boys beginning to phase out of the family and go out on their own. It is also a great opportunity for more work.

Another big need is English training. The boys understanding of English is basic, but as one boy said, “I don’t understand half of what the teacher writes on the bored.” English class is challenge enough, with teachers hardly understanding the language, much less Chemistry or Mathematics… Its absurd really, that they should be expected to learn, but Rwanda is in a transition period. They have switched from teaching in French to English in the last year and everyone is struggling to adjust. That being said, I am trying to think of ideas. Many of the older boys have to take the National Exam in October. They are really stressed out about it. It’s a big test that determines whether or not they will be able to go into government paid secondary school. All of the boys are struggling, and many are not likely to pass if something doesn’t change. If they don’t pass, secondary school isn’t really affordable for an average Rwandan. I believe its several thousand dollars total.
Anyway, I think that there is a definite need for tutors to help them outside of class. I plan to talk to JP, get an idea of costs.
Finally, Meghan and I are visiting Gisenyi on Lake Kivu this weekend. I’m a little sad because we have less than two weeks left, but we decided that we needed the break. Living with 30 boys who wake up at 6 am screaming everymorning, having no privacy, and being the center of attention everytime you make a move takes its toll. I am really excited because its supposed to be beautiful. It will also be an interesting adventure as it will just be Meghan and I on our own navigating the bus systems (Don’t worry T. Hunter, Gisenyi is very safe and touristy and we wont be traveling on any buses or anything at night, plus we have our hotel booked and Dama is going to make sure we know exactly which bus to get on).

Update on Work:
We only have a few interviews left. It has been really neat to get to know the boys on this level, and I think that its been good for the boys. After each interview, the boys have become much more personable to us. We also have emphasized that we want to take this as a chance to get to know them better and for them to get to know us. So, we give them the chance to ask us questions about our lives. There have been interesting questions from: “Why do you come to help us?” “Do you have a boyfriend and if so, do your parents approve of him?” to “Tell me what is beautiful in America”