Day of the Girl in Rwanda

Happy Day of the Girl! Here is a statue of a woman and girl in main roundabout of Kigali. They symbolise the strength, resilience and compassion of Rwandan women and girls - qualities used everyday to help their families, communities and country advance. As our driver noted, "A woman is the mother of her nation."

Speaking of the power of women, meet Pauline - widowed with one child. She's the President of the Kiziguro Piggery Cooperative, established just four short months ago. When Plan introduced its small livestock program (funded through Plan Canada's Gifts of Hope catalogue) as an alternative to families who could not afford to keep a cow, this community decided that - rather than one pig per family model - they would set up a community co-op. Plan supplied the materials for the concrete shed (keeps pigs healthy from rain and overheating), the livestock training, basic medicines and of course the pigs (10 females, 1 male). Eleven families pooled their pigs and built one common shed for all to use. They take turns looking after the pigs, with many of the families' children leading the care. The co-op now acts as a demonstration piggery, inviting nearby pig farmers to visit and share in their skills and knowledge. With each of the 10 sows now pregnant, this project is ready to replicate its success at a super pace! Families will very soon be realizing the increased food security (household consumption) and disposable income (resale at market) these piglets will produce. Pauline said most pig profits they make will be used for education costs (books, uniforms etc.) and also family medical insurance. Keep up the inspiring work, Piggery President Pauline!

The co-op overwhelmed us all when they presented gifts for us to take with them as a remembrance of our visit. Handmade serving trays and baskets. The baskets symbolise a sacred partnership between giver and recipient, with the tightly fitting lid representing a firm relationship which respects any secrets or sharings within. What a touching present!

We next traveled to a newly constructed health centre which Plan funded. We learned about the most common patient ills (malaria, TB, intestinal parasites) and how the government supports both medicines as well as cost of medical visits based on a three-tier system according to family's means. Antiretrovirals (ARVs) to manage HIV is funded entirely by the government. Mothers are encouraged to deliver their babies in a facility such as this one, to decrease the incidences of infant/maternal deaths, and there is a fee if parents don't register their baby within 8 days of birth (birth registration is essential in ensuring all children have access to their rights, and to ensure the government is budgeting enough money to basic services such as health and education). Another amazing day full of insight into this incredible country.