Day 1: Komera & Umunezero

Tuesday, July 30th - Kigali, Rwanda

Written by Genevieve Feiner, WD4H Team Member

Gooooood morning, Rwanda! 

We started off the day with a gorgeous breakfast spread: pineapple, watermelon, potatoes, omelettes, toast, ginger or black tea, Rwandan coffee, and (the crowd favorite) freshly-squeezed passion fruit and tree tomato juices. 

Our itinerary for the day entailed a 2-hour drive south to Bumbogo sector, where two of our cooperatives are located: Komera ("Courage") and Umunezero ("Joy"). 

At 8:30am, Justin and the team arrived at the hotel to start separating out the donations we would be taking to these co-ops. By 10am, we were ready to hit the road! 

Heading out of Kigali, we turned off on to a red dirt road. For the next hour, our bus curved around eucalyptus-lined hills, moving deeper and deeper into the countryside. Out the windows, we caught a glimpse of daily village life: children walking with jerrycans to collect water for the day; women carrying babies on their back and huge loads of beans, or other crops, on their heads; men pushing bicycles stacked with chairs, or bunches of bananas; mothers hanging laundry on makeshift clothes lines - and so much more. 

After a quick "bathroom" stop in the bushes - with the best view imaginable - we drove the last mile or so to our meeting spot. When we pulled up, each of us grabbed three scarves from a bag (which were brought from home) and draped them around our necks. We would be presenting each co-op member with a scarf, as a token of our gratitude for being here. 

​We climbed out of the bus and walked through the blue-barred gates, into the presence of 50 bright, colorful, joyous women. We squeezed in to a small meeting room, which quickly became the most epic celebration. The drumming was loud and the dancing was wild! The women, now wearing our scarves in the most elegant way, grabbed us one by one, arms stretched out and feet ferociously stomping and shuffling to the beat. In this moment, we truly felt like we were dancing for - and with - humanity. 

The beautiful chaos quelled, and we took our seats. After introducing ourselves, Janet gave a remarkable speech to the co-op members - in Kinyarwanda! We then heard from the two co-op leaders. Alphonsine, president of Umunzero, spoke to us about all the new happenings in her co-op. From bountiful permagardens, to thriving students, the strides these women have taken since we first met them are extraordinary. Their most recent accomplishment was the launching of a Beet Juice Business, which was funded by the Procter & Gamble Alumni Foundation. Jane, president of Komera, addressed us next. She spoke of the transformations in their lives - a result from our support, and our friendship. 

Next, the students! About a dozen of our sponsored students were able to get the day off of school (a VERY big deal) to be with us. We presented each of them with their sponsor's letter and heard about what they are studying. The excitement in their eyes when they looked down at that letter was overwhelming. We also gave them each a solar light, so they could study at night in the dark. To all the student sponsors reading this, please know how much that one card, that one photo, means to these kids.

After our gathering, we walked to the neighboring building to see the Beet Juice Business in action. Alphonsine, now dressed in a chef’s smock and hat, began explaining the process – with such pride! She had recently attended a training school in Kigali to learn the art of juicing, and it was obvious she could not wait to demonstrate her skills.

Beets are grown easily in this region, and the nutrients they provide are critical in fighting malnutrition and nourishing those with AIDS and other diseases.

The room was large, but almost bare. On one side, large metal shelves stood tall, but holding nothing. There was a large freezer/refrigerator on a platform, which kept the juices cool and fresh. To the right was a beautiful table, made from a strong, reddish-brown wood imported from the Congo. Atop the table were two cutting boards, beets, pineapples, a knife, and a brand-new industrial juicer.

Alphonsine started the process by washing her hands in a basin, as a fellow co-op member poured the water out of a jerrycan. She stood tall and proud as she dried her hands with a clean towel (a rare, prized possession) and explained her next steps, with Justin translating along the way. First, she chopped and juiced beets, and then she repeated the process with a pineapple. We passed around a cup, tasting the two juices, which were slightly diluted with water. But that was it! No sugar, no preservatives – nothing unnatural. Simply fresh juice…and water.

The beet juice was sweet and the pineapple was refreshing – easily the freshest, tastiest juices any of us had EVER tasted (sorry Pressed Juicery). Before leaving, we made sure to buy out their current stock of bottled juices to enjoy on our drive back.

Next, we drove to one of the co-op member’s homes to see how these people really live. Margarithe and her son, Clement (one of our college students sponsored by Judy Rowe) gave us a tour, which included the separate hut that serves as a kitchen. A few of us sat down with the two hosts and talked about their lives – an interview which we will be sure to share!

The rest of the group were outside playing games with local children, visiting the family’s cow, or simply taking it all in.

Their home was such a stark contrast to what we all have and how we live; it was very jarring for some. Although the way they live seems so primitive, and they have so few possessions, Justin reminded us how important it is to know how far they come. Margarithe and Clement were so proud to show us their home. It had a roof, a door that locks, a few pieces of furniture, a bed (with a mattress) and even electricity…all things that were mere dreams to them a few years ago.

Buhoro buhoro - one step at a time - these people truly are changing their own lives, and we have the profound privilege of bearing witness to it all.

The time came for us to say our goodbyes, and we got back on the bus for our drive home.

Elated from our first day, we returned to Beausejour Hotel for a lovely dinner, ceaselessly chatting about what we had just experienced.

This was only Day 1...now bring on Days 2 through 16!

Here are some thoughts from our travelers:

Don Jack: Today we travelled along the red earth roads outside of Kigali to visit members of the Komera and Umunezero cooperatives. When we arrived we were ushered into the meeting hall by the seductive energy of the African drumming that accompanied the singing voices of our hosts. We made that fundamental human connection with them as we danced together. After briefly introducing ourselves we heard from the two strong women who lead their cooperatives. With a steady confidence they told us about their agricultural ventures and juice making initiative that are made possible by the support of WD4H. It is so inspiring to see the hope and vision for the future that is moving them forward.

Linda Jalaba: Today was a very emotional day for me. It’s difficult to put into words. It’s only been one day, and I can’t wait for what’s to come!

Heather Williams: The moment we stepped off the bus and into the arms of the Rwandan women, I was overwhelmed with joy. I thought I knew what this trip would be like before I got here, but it is way beyond anything I imagined. The music, the smiles, the laughter, the hugs, the dancing, the singing, the cheering, the joy, the gratitude -- and this is just the first day! The emotions are beyond description.

Kathleen Vasta: Today was so wonderful! My entire being was brimming with love.

Amy Cluck: We visit our first cooperatives today. Greeted by jubilant women dressed in fine clothes of blue and green and red patterns. Ecstatic faces while dancing that turn solemn in attendance, tracks of grief line their daily expressions. We stare into each other’s eyes , at times teary, connecting in gratitude. From them, for our support. From us, a chance to understand selfless cooperation and community. I’m embraced by an older woman who mimics a beating, sadness lingers in her gaze. What else do we have to offer but love? Proud of their collective achievements, we share their joy as they open their new business, making beet and pineapple juices, deliciously sweet. New household items we take for granted (juicer, freezer, trash bin) represent to these women and their children a promise toward independence.

Jayne Johann: I thought that after being here last year that I wouldn’t be as overwhelmed by being with our co-op family today - but I was wrong.   In some ways it  felt even more emotional to see everyone again.   I could feel the progress - and the determination was even stronger this year.   The students are so inspiring.   I’m so grateful to have this experience.

Nicole Greenwood: Today is my first day in Rwanda. I felt overwhelmed. Rwanda is a place of high contrast. Bright contrasting colors—pink and green, orange and blue, poverty and joy, pain and love. I have never felt anything like it. I wanted to cry when I looked into the eyes of the older women. I have no idea what tragic experiences they have endured, survived, and how they can express such happiness and joy with me, now. The highlight today was the connection shared with these people through dance and music. The universal language of love. I felt it. Pain and joy. The contrast.

Michelle Pasini: First full day in Rwanda and all I can say is “WOW!” I could go home right now and feel like the trek was worth it. What an amazing first day! Visiting these co-ops was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. We got a royal welcome. A choreographed dance by the younger members to the beating drums lining the walkway as we processed into the little schoolhouse where the rest of the co-op members were waiting to greet us with huge smiles and brightly colored clothing. The energy was out of this world as the singing and dancing kicked into high gear. We gave each of the women a scarf from the donated items we brought from home and they waived them around in gratitude. I could go on and on. Greetings from the leaders, sponsor letters to the students, touring the beet juice “factory” (they were so proud), visiting one of our students’ home, playing with the children. I am overwhelmed and so very grateful! #PinchMeImInAfrica