Update from Michelle, Sunday, January 14, 2018

Good Sunday afternoon from Kigali, Rwanda,

Our team had a very successful first week of teaching a new course (VAST) developed by my terrific colleagues Adam and Patty.  They were long work days but worth it!

Such engagement and gratitude from the Rwandan participants made it a very satisfying and worthwhile.  We hope they will be able to implement their ‎new knowledge and skills learned in simulation  into daily practice.

After work Friday we hit the road for a day of cycling from the African Rising Cycling ‎Centre near Ruhengeri. This is where the Rwandan National Cycling team trains and Abraham our patient guide was a former member of the team ( 5 time Rwandan champion!).

It was a perfect day. Cycled 40 km in total through villages of beautiful people and each of them had a smile and a wave for us. I am never able to describe the sights we see in Rwanda with enough justice. The colourful fabric on the mothers and babies, the lush green vegetation and crops, the goats and cows serenading, the beautiful lakes and distinctive fishing boats are the background canvas everywhere you look. Most importantly, is how hard you see everyone working and the many kilometres they walk for water and to market with produce on their heads and bicycles.

A very positive aspect of Rwanda is there seems to be food for most people because it is readily grown in the climate.

We are back in Kigali having an afternoon of rest beside the pool before starting round 2 ‎of the VAST Course for a new set of learners.

I hope everyone is well,

Love from Rwanda

Michelle

The happy team hitting the trail

Abraham

Mother with baby and water

Local transport on Lake Ruhondo

Patty in Team Rwanda jersey