Rwempasha is a collection of about 70 little shelters spread over 70 hectares and located on the top of a barren hill, strictly speaking there is one tree, but it’s bare and provides no shade.
The people who have been relocated here from Tanzania were almost all born in Tanzania, although they are ‘Rwandaphones’, (people of Rwandan descent that speak Rwandan languages) by ethnic origin. The majority are young and have never lived in Rwanda, they have no property or family to return to, their home and life was Tanzania.
In Tanzania they were shepherds but here in Rwempasha they have no cattle and no way of obtaining them (yet). But the Rwandan Government is trying to help the returnees by providing them with 1 hectare of land, food rations, free medical care (if they can get to a clinic or hospital, which is a long way off) and a hoe to help them plant crops. The shepherds are learning to be farmers and are planting vegetables which they use to supplement there rations and to barter for other necessities such as soap. There is little water to waste on crops, when you have to carry it for 4km, but despite this the hill top is beginning to green over with sweet potatoes, maize and cassava.
Following the last two visits we have decided to look at erecting a shelter (community meeting place) that will serve as a place for us to meet and facilitate discussion. (It’s completely selfish actually, it’s really hot sitting in the sun and I need some shade.) So we have designed a shelter that will also provide for water harvesting, and we intend to engage the men of the community to help us build. This will not be the contractor’s job, Isaac and I with our vast building experience will be the builders and contractors.
To those who gave me some money to bring with me, thank you. I intend to purchase a soccer ball, volley ball, net and a few other little things to give the children something to do. There may even be enough for some ‘treats’. The lollipops were a hit – they always are! To those who have left comments and words of encouragement on this blog, thank you, it means a great deal. Technology can be a great thing – when it works.
