Participants Blog

Patricia/USMC/RWanda/2012

Final Reflection: Coming to Rwanda I had no idea what to expect from my placement, except to
experience a life radically different from my own in Canada.

Coming to Rwanda I had no idea what to expect from my placement, except to
experience a life radically different from my own in Canada. Three months in a
foreign country without familiar bearings and home comforts definitely had its
challenges. Looking back, I realize it really made me appreciate the Rwandan way
of life. Staying with a host family allowed me to become fully immersed in the
local culture and develop relationships in a way that I could have never imagined.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms everywhere
we went, whether it was our home stays, the school, or even just walking down
the street. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to experience not only the
struggles of daily life, but also the great joys, ambition and beauty of the
Rwandan people.
Teaching at Wisdom has been a truly rewarding experience, each day bringing its share of excitement and
challenges. Teaching computers to primary classes 2 to 5 initially seemed like a daunting task, especially with
such limited resources (only two computers for 40 students!) However between the three of us, we
established a program to allow practical lessons and I really feel the students have learned a lot. Having to
leave is bittersweet, as I feel as though I am leaving a place I have come to call my home.