The Learning Center

Hello Hello! Zach here. Should be about time for an update on just how everything is working out at the Learning Center. The volunteers have arrived, everybody is here soaking up the endless sunny days and shining light on an already glowing organization. The full-time teachers Moses, Francoise and Eric are glad to have us and we are sure glad to have them.

The government of Rwanda is currently in a transition period towards becoming an English speaking country from a French speaking country. This means that while most people speak French (all speak Kinyarwandan), many want to learn English and are proud of the English they know. People on the street see Mazungus (kinyarwandan for white people) and shout “hello,” “how are you” and “good morning,” no matter what time of day it is. The children in particular are excited to demonstrate their English prowess and are perfect evidence of a bright future for the country of Rwanda. It’s a great time and a great place to come and teach English.

The volunteers are doing all they can to impart as much knowledge possible in the time they are here. We arrive to newly swept and mopped classrooms every morning to attentive, bright and energetic students. There are beginning, intermediate and advanced English classes, and even a free conversation section for the students that simply want to practice their English. Some volunteers travel across town to Coeur Joyeux, another school in need of English teachers. There are well over 100 students in all. Many hope to continue on to an English speaking university, while others hope to immediately find a job that would require English skills.

Here's a picture of the beginners class:



Then in the afternoon we have activities for the students, both to cultivate their interests and give them the opportunity to practice their English. David and Amy are starting their music school and the anticipation is palpable. Ioana and I do Film and Photography, Tonya is teaching writing, Alison is teaching history, Kathy and Becky are doing an English club, and on Friday, the students are given the opportunity to play sports. These activities promote English speaking in a variety of contexts. All the students are orphans (from the genocide) and many did not finish secondary school, so such instruction can help fill in the gaps in education and upbringing (and make them have some fun!). After the most of the volunteers leave in August, I hope to create some business, environmental and even general knowledge workshops for the students. Needless to say, the volunteers will leave a positive impact on the Learning Center.

Everybody is enjoying their time in Rwanda, finding some time outside of the Learning Center to visit places around the beautiful city of Kigali. Whether its bargaining at the markets, eating at cheap, delicious restaurants with beautiful views, riding on the backs of motorcycles, being moved at the genocide memorial, or having a primus (Rwandan beer) and delightful conversation with Rwandans, Kigali has something great to offer. Sarah, Alison and Becky even traveled to the beautiful Lake Kivu, just a two hour bus ride away for gorgeous, untouched landscapes.

Now of course, nothing is perfect. The power occasionally goes out, volunteers experience some health problems, lessons don't go exactly as planned, misinformed students or teachers show up at the wrong times to the wrong place, cell phones are lost and confusion is created by the language barrier. Life is an adventure and Rwanda is particularly adventurous.