Above are some pictures I found online displaying what life is like in Rwanda, as well as its beautiful scenery. Given the name the 'land of a thousand hills', Rwanda is unfortunately less known for its vast volcanic range, jungles housing a third of the world’s remaining gorillas, and having the largest rainforest in Africa! This often comes as a shock to people as Rwanda is predominately known for the 1994 horrific genocide between the Tutsis and the Hutus, in which the Hutus massacred over 800,00 Tutsis in the space of 100 days. It was an absolutely terrible time for Rwanda, as it saw the people of the country divide and go against each other, due to numerous reasons, which included jealousy and having the wrong foreign influences driving the hate between the two groups. Obviously it is a deep rooted issue with people, all with their own ideas of why it happened and how they feel now about it. After the genocide, to build the country back together, progress was made via the setting up of community 'gacaca' courts. These grassroot courts allow genocide victims to seek justice at a local level which tried close to two million people for their involvement. However, key, superior figures of the genocide have been tried at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Just like the numerous other genocides that have occurred, I recommend you research more about them if you are interested in international criminal law for example, like I am. Honestly, I may be tempted to directly ask people their thoughts and feelings about the genocide, but obviously it is a sensitive subject, so one must be very diligent when it comes to it, especially when you are an outsider, not having experienced it yourself.
Now, onto a lighter note. Rwanda is a relatively small country in the continent of Africa, but it provides the world which so much. For example, Rwandan coffee beans is highly sought after around the world. Like in Starbucks- it is a very popular choice. Rwanda is a beautiful country which has made progress and it is one of the top go to places for Westerns to go and help. It is great that they are doing so, but it is important that they just don't do it for their selves, to make them look good and 'worldly'. It is important that they go with the agenda of helping people help themselves to ensure that what ever they do will leave an everlasting impact. That is why I am excited to be going Rwanda with Tearfund, because that is exactly what they aim to do.
When I am out there, I am looking forward to learning about its history from its people, and to also see that history firsthand. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Now, onto a lighter note. Rwanda is a relatively small country in the continent of Africa, but it provides the world which so much. For example, Rwandan coffee beans is highly sought after around the world. Like in Starbucks- it is a very popular choice. Rwanda is a beautiful country which has made progress and it is one of the top go to places for Westerns to go and help. It is great that they are doing so, but it is important that they just don't do it for their selves, to make them look good and 'worldly'. It is important that they go with the agenda of helping people help themselves to ensure that what ever they do will leave an everlasting impact. That is why I am excited to be going Rwanda with Tearfund, because that is exactly what they aim to do.
When I am out there, I am looking forward to learning about its history from its people, and to also see that history firsthand. I look forward to sharing it with you.