Half Way There :(

This morning, we started off the day with an exciting visit to see the Womens Parliament. We spoke with about 5 women from Parliament about various issues we each were interested in. I think I can speak for the group of us when I say that we were rather surprised by the tremendous progress they have made and the significant role they play in the government. All the women we spoke with were extremely articulate and very well educated. They are doing amazing things to promote gender equality and prevention of gender based violence. One of my favorite quotes from the day that describes the women well was "behind these soft voices is a storng arm and a warm heart," which was said by President Kagame. This parliamentary group is being proactive in promoting their aims and is working to spread their programs to as many schools and possible and get their message out through means of radio, churches, and campaigns. It was an honor to be able to speak with them.

Next on the agenda was a meeting with members of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. They addressed much of the history leading up to the genocide as well as how they have worked to recover from its damages. One of the main things that stuck out in my mind was the emphasis they placed on local involvement through grassroot counciltations. It seems that they are trying to involve as many people as possible in developing the country, to include even the poorest people. This is something that I feel differs greatly from America, but in a good way. During this meeeting we watched a video that told of the history and gave some testimonies from survivors of the genocide. One of the striking stories included a man who killed all of a woman's children. After the genocide they eventually became neighbors and through the Gacaca courts, he told everything he did in the genocide and was forgiven and pardoned by the woman. It was powerful to see how someone could be so forgiving after such an atrocity was committed against them.

The last place we visited was the Ministry of Local Government in Kigali. The main points addressed during this meeting were decentralization and good governance. I have to admit, the presentation was a bit...dry. But one point that stuck out to me the most was the concept of a national talk. Every year the President gives a speach to his country (I'd assume it is similar to the state of the union address) and the day after he gives the speach, people across the country and even internationally can call, text, or send emails with any questions, comments, or concerns they have regarding anything that was addressed in the President's speech and he answers them. Again, it shows this country's importance in getting everyone involved in helping the country progress.

Before dinner, we spoke with a future WP cadet from Rwanda, Alex. He had a chance to sit with us for an hour and ask any questions he had about Beast and the Academy in general. It was nice meeting him and I'm sure he will do well. For dinner, the group went to Sol e Luna, a well known pizza place in Kigali. We were accompanied by two of our escorts, 1LT Mary and John (they have us call them by their first name because I guess they don't want to make us have to say their challenging last names). Dinner was a lot of fun. We all had great conversations and the food was good as well. It's always nice to go out as a group. We all get along very well and learn a lot from each other. But anyway, I'm off to bed now. I'm excited for another fun filled day in Rwanda tomorrow. And on that note, good night America.