Land of security and hope

The Rwandans seem to be generally very happy with their government and what is being achieved in their country.  Several YFC staff members that we have spoken with are very happy with what is happening here. They told us that they now feel secure and hopeful. That’s pretty good considering what they have endured in the past. People would be happy if Paul Kagame, their president, remained after his 2 X 7 year terms, but it would be unconstitutional and they trust him not to change the constitution (as many African leaders would!!!). They proudly tell us that their roads, water and electricity are far better than the neighbouring countries of Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Congo. And when we have complimented people on their good roads, they say ‘Thank you’ as if we are thanking them directly. They appear to be very proud and patriotic.

When we drove to the dowry ceremony with several young men - an airline pilot, a lawyer and an aeronautical engineer - they confirmed our thinking that a large percentage of Rwanda’s population is very happy with the present government. I mentioned to these young men that I thought some of the children in rural areas would not have the opportunity to become airline pilots, lawyers or aeronautical engineers in the future. They disagreed and believe that Rwanda’s children have hope and opportunity to do anything at all. It is encouraging to know that they are all so hopeful.

I am noticing lots of change, especially in rural areas, since Mal and I were here in 2007. There are power lines, bank branches, industry, and fewer people carrying their water long distances. The government is making lots of effort to ensure that all people have running water and electricity to their homes. This has made a huge difference to the rural areas. They have also introduced education for every person up to 3 years of secondary school and will increase that to 6 years of secondary schooling in the next year or so. Such an improvement.

Some of us think that Australia is over-regulated. Well, how about being fined for not wearing shoes in public? And a fine if you do not have a mattress to sleep on! And no-one is permitted to marry before 21 years of age! But the people we speak to are even happy about all this regulation because they see their country moving forward in leaps and bounds. It’s just part of the deal!