1. Tell us about Rwanda
‘Rwanda, a new start moving away from the past’
Rwanda is a small country located in Eastern part of Africa. The country is most densely populated country in Africa with the population of 10 million. Per capita GDP in 2012 is about $644 which is not considered high compared to other nations in the region but compare to 2011, the number increased by $51 from %593. Not many people are familiar with Rwanda and some of the people will think of genocide, massacre, or Hotel Rwanda when they hear the name ‘Rwanda.’
I worked in Rwanda from October 2010 to October 2012 as a member of UNESCO Bridge Program. If I didn’t have that chance, I am sure I wouldn’t know much about Rwanda either.
As you all may know, in 1994 genocide in Rwanda was the worst act of genocide since the Nazi regime’s destruction.In just 100 days, 20% of the country’s total population was killed. After the genocide, Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame took the office and the nation is now stabilized and looking for ways to achieve development with the help of international community.
2. How do you feel about your dispatch?
‘Restarting, to my second hometown’
As I mentioned earlier I worked in a small village of Rwanda for 2 years. There was no water or electricity but I was able to feel the community spirit. The people shared their food, smiled at me, and worked with me.
I was happy to work for them as I learned about what they truly want. At first, I tried my best to spend time with the local people by visiting their homes, eating and working with them. I met with the local youth and discussed with them about issues of the village and came up with solutions together.
I started English class for adults and children. But I was not the teacher, it was the youth who volunteered to teach people from their community. Many different projects followed the English class. The youth and I organized a party for villagers and renovated village hall to use it as a classroom. In 2012, with the parents of English class students, we established poultry co-op.
Two years of time flew so fast for me. After I came back to Korea, I tried to return to the village. But at the same time, I wanted to experience a life in Korea as well. I had mixed feelings.
Just like a saying, ‘After a storm comes a calm’ I was able to decide without much hardships as time went by. I knew what I wanted to do for my life. My passion for international development cooperation got stronger. However, leaving my family again was not easy for me. But I love what I am doing and I really enjoy my job. I wanted to work for the people who need me, the people of Rwanda. In the end my parents supported my decision too.
I know that my life will be much happier as I meet, share ideas, plan, execute projects with the people of Rwanda.
3. What are your most important values in helping developing countries?
‘Working together and always listen’
To me working together & listening to others is the most important value when I work for international development cooperation. I know that listening to what the people have to say and applying their wants to project plans and working with the local government is the key to a success. I will always remember working with the people and listening to their demands are the most important elements for project success.
There was an incident where one NGO from foreign country came to a village in Africa. They decided to build a supermarket and the locals also agreed to an idea. However, once the NGO left the village, the supermarket ran out of business and closed down. I think it’s because the NGO came up with the idea on their own without considering what is really needed by the locals. They built the supermarket thinking it was a good idea with the ‘superior attitude’.
I don’t want to work like them. I will talk to the local people as many times as possible about project execution and we will think together about the long-term benefits of the projects.
4. A message to supporters
How can I waste the precious donation given by many of our contributors? I will always remember them in my heart. I will update you here and there. Please continue to support us.
‘I will cherish the precious memories’
About a week before I left Korea, I participated in HUMAN IN LOVE Street Fundraising Campaign. There I met contributors and staffs of HUMAN IN LOVE. I was very impressed by young people who donated their allowances for the people in need. My cousin also sends contributions to HUMAN IN LOVE. He works at a coffee store during school vacation to earn money. And I know most of our contributors are not donating because they are financially well-off but because they want to help the vulnerable.
