Today is a perfect day for sitting outside,
reading, writing and doing things that I generally neglect to do amidst the
busy working day. It’s moments
like these that I’ll remember with fondness as I reflect upon my time here.
I am fast approaching the end of my
contract in Rwanda and I am filled with a mix of emotions. Every time I leave a country, a part of
me remains there, with it holding a mass of memories – both good and bad and a
desire that one-day I’ll return.
This morning I made myself a fresh fruit
smoothie consisting of passion fruit, banana, pineapple and locally produced
yoghurt. Last night I made
guacamole using 2 avocados that cost me around 2p each and eggs
given to me by my neighbour. Yet
more things I will miss about Rwanda – the FRESH, unmodified, often weirdly
shaped, CHEAP fruit and veg – sun-ripened and full of nature’s goodness; and
the generosity and care of my neighbours.
In England, it is sad to say that I only
know my immediate next-door neighbours, both elderly ladies who delight in
short visits from people because they are so few-and-far-between. On the odd occasion I might greet
someone along my street but not to the same degree as that here in Rwanda. I cannot walk out of my house without my
name, or ‘muzungu’ being hollered at me followed by frantic waving and endless
smiles and laughter. My 5 minutes
walk to work often takes more than 15 minutes with all the stopping, shaking
hands, how are yous, peace and other generalities passed between the community. To some, I may still be ‘muzungu’, but
I am THEIR muzungu, the Cyahinda Muzungu…and if I’m lucky, ‘Mary.’ (The name 'May' still confuses them!)
Last night, I walked home from work in the
rain. It was the fastest and most
private journey I’ve had. Despite
feeling warmed by the endless greetings I receive here, the attention can be
tiresome. There are often days
where I long for the anonymity and conservativeness of London walking, where I
can walk around without being stared at or followed by a gaggle of children –
where I am no different to the next Joe Bloggs. Yesterday, I had just that – the road was deserted due to
the rain and it was only until I reached the centre where people were huddled
beneath the shelter of the shop roof when the staring begun…although this time,
I’m sure they were probably thinking that I was a crazy muzungu to be walking
in the rain! It was somewhat
liberating, I was well prepared for the rain – rain mac, wellies, umbrella…if I
got wet it was no biggy. It’s
strange how unprepared people here are when it comes to the rain, considering
Rwanda has 2 rainy seasons where heavy rainfall occurs for practically 6 months of the year, (if not more,) you’d think people would be used to traveling in it by now. Although understandably you may not
wish to do so as it is the rain that soaks you to the bone within seconds of
standing in it…
So I’ve been here for near on 17 months
now. 2 more to go. I extended my contract by one month, as
I wanted to stay to at least the end of the school term (at the beginning of
April.) I only feel now that my work
is beginning to bear fruit and people are more receptive to the ideas I’ve
suggested or even seeking advice for change – it does feel a little too late but
I’m sure, no matter how long I stayed, I’d always feel this way – that there is
always more to be done. Yes, I’ve
only just scratched the surface but at least the ball is rolling now. Teachers see a need for change and progression;
I just hope a replacement is found for me soon as the project funding runs out
in March 2016. On that note, if
anyone is reading this and is interested in volunteering in Rwanda, there are
several positions open at the moment with a one-year commitment…check out www.vso.org.uk if you’re interested – truly
worthwhile!
So what’s my next move?
In all honesty, I don’t know. I have an interest in development work
in education now and I still love teaching. I’d love to do an MA in Children’s Literature but the cost
of that is way beyond what I can afford right now – so that may have to wait. It’s slightly depressing to think that
I can sponsor someone here to complete their BA for less than a month’s salary
back home and yet I can’t even afford to do a term/semester of an MA in
England! Well, I’m sure if God is
willing – it will happen. So my
conundrum is the type of job that I should be applying for right now. I think going back into teaching would
be the most logical, after all, that’s what I’m trained to do and love but with
the constant curriculum and policy changes, the paperwork and stresses, I just
don’t know if that’s what I want to return to. I know EVERY job has its gripes and strains – I guess
anything is possible with God’s strength and guidance…we’ll see, watch this
space I suppose.
