Day 6: Ejo Habo Cooperative

Sunday, August 4th - South of Kigali, Rwanda

Written by Nicole Greenwood, World Dancer

Today, we traveled 2 hours south to the Ejo Habo Cooperative. Run by Justin's mother Julian, it is an orphanage for children who were either abandoned or lost their parents. No mother, no father. Ejo Habo means “their tomorrow” - the dream is to provide these orphans with “their tomorrow”, something they didn’t have before. 

Julian and the children live in a beautiful home that was constructed with funds raised by Goats for Life about 11 years ago. Although the house is somewhat new, Julian has been taking in orphans ever since Justin was a child. It isn't an "orphanage" in the traditional sense, where the children can be adopted - they have been adopted...by Julian. This is their home now, this is their family. She is a strong, quiet woman who went everywhere with us today. She is amazing - no wonder Justin is the way he is!

Some of the orphans are siblings, like this one family of 10 kids. Their mother got sick and their father sold everything they owned to try and finance medical expenses, ultimately leaving the family with nothing to survive on. The mother died. The father left them because he was traumatized by the death of the mom, and has a mental disorder now, so he cannot take care of the children. Another orphan was left on the doorstep, as a baby. She is 4 years old now and we met her today - her name is Kadasa.

We did many things with the cooperative! We were greeted with a song and rather trendy, handmade bracelets. We helped in the garden and saw the cute, happy pigs.  We watched as the older girls demonstrated sewing reusable menstrual pads to be sold at the market. Some travelers were even able to place the buckets on their heads to balance and carry the manure.

A highlight of the day was a skit performance where the children acted out a story, one they know all too well. It was the story of becoming an orphan. The mother died and the children were unable to take care of themselves—they had nothing. No money, no food, no school, no hope. I wanted to cry.  A character wearing a World Dance for Humanity shirt emerged, embraced them, took them in, and sent them to school. This is a true story. A true miracle for these children. Without the orphanage, these children would have no chance to go to school, nor even survive.     

Next was lunch which had been prepared by the older girls in the co-op. Before eating our lunch, Anita, a brave 8-year-old, stood up to say a prayer. I get nervous talking in front of people, so this little girl impressed me so much. She was not afraid. No question about what she wanted to say. She prayed for thanks from God for protecting us on our journey here.  She prayed expressing gratitude for the food and a hope that others can have lunch today too. She prayed for God to Keep protecting us until we leave here. True love. I felt it. Not only by her strong presence, but her words. Lunch was a delicious feast of food!

We exchanged letters and gifts—clothes, toothbrushes. The girls wore the adorable pillow case dresses made by Carpinteria Crafty Ladies and the boys, proudly donned their new shorts, so happy, like it was Christmas morning.  During the letter distribution, each student expressed their thanks. Some of the orphans were so touched, they cried tears of joy and gratitude for where they are. 

One of the students said she would not take the opportunity to go to school for granted. She is motivated to work hard, get good grades because she values this opportunity. She values this life changing chance she has been given. 

The most wonderful part of the day was to see how the orphans have created a home and family. They come from so many different backgrounds that sometimes it can be hard to all get along. The leaders (the older girls) take this very seriously, and are constantly working with the younger ones to instill respect, love, and compassion. For example, if two kids are not talking, they get chosen to do the dishes together, where they have to talk to get the job done, and begin to feel like family. I felt like a part of their family today. Amazing!

Another thing we got to do was to hike up a nearby hillside to the goat shed. It wasn’t easy! The hike was worthwhile though because of the gorgeous mountain view and the many goats at the top! We got to name them, which was so awesome. I got to hold one that seemed only a few days old. It was just like holding a kitty (which I love - lol)!

It was very difficult to say goodbye to Ejo Habo today. Janet is like their mother and it’s so beautiful. I’m happy to know they don’t feel alone. I have friends who have lost parents and they live with the heartbreak everyday. I’m happy these children are a family and have opportunities now. Now they have Ejo Habo. They have their tomorrow.

Thoughts from the travelers:

Jayne Johann: What a difference a year made at the orphanage co op we visited today!   All the piglets are in a new area and are big sows and hogs! And they have a whole new batch of piglets. Several of the students stood up and spoke to us In English! And they exuded confidence and poise. Their welcoming was so exciting- they were all ready for us with their hand made head bands that said “welcome” and “thank you.”.

We danced and sang and played a fun game. Then we helped put mulch around the new Cassava plants. I tried to carry it on my head and made it part way. The kids thought that was so funny. They cooked a full meal for us! The kids are all well-nourished now and all in school (except those who are too young). 

Next we went to see the goats. They sold 30 goats and still have about 20! So the income is really helping them. I found my goat Sparky from last year and bought three more goats and named them after my other siblings. It was so much fun. I can’t believe they take the time to humor us by naming goats! Justin made really nice name tags for them. It was magical. Saying goodbye made me cry. We love those kids.